Qualified Newtown taxpayers who wish to cast 2022 budget votes by absentee ballot now have expanded qualifications available to them.

On April 8, Governor Ned Lamont signed Public Act 22-2, expanding two of the six statutory reasons under which voters in Connecticut can qualify for an absentee ballot during an election, primary, or referendum. The expansions now allow out-of-town commuters and caretakers of those who are ill or have a disability to vote by absentee ballot.

The legislation removes more restrictive language on these qualifications from state statutes and better aligns state laws with the standard that is set in the state constitution.

“This slight change better aligns our state laws with that allowed under the constitution,” Lamont said. “We should be doing everything we can to encourage qualified voters to cast a ballot, and this is a responsible step forward in that direction.”

Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz agreed, adding that it is important “that we work together to ensure that any person who is eligible to vote can cast their vote.

“Voting is one of our most important civic duties, and this minor expansion of our state’s laws is another positive step towards facilitating voter engagement for all Connecticut residents,” she added.

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill said no voter “should ever have to choose between protecting their health and exercising their right to vote. The COVID-19 crisis is still with us, and this legislation will ensure that voters will be able to cast their ballots and make their voices heard.”

State Representative Dan Fox (D-Stamford), co-chair of the Government Administration and Elections Committee, said democracy "simply works better when more people have a say on the future of their towns, state and country.

“Just because someone has to commute in order to bring home a paycheck each week or spends time caring for a loved one who cannot take care of themselves should not prevent them from making their voice heard. These changes are small but important steps to ensuring all Connecticut residents have the opportunity to exercise this vital right,” the lawmaker further noted.

The legislation was approved in the House by a vote of 126-16 and in the Senate by a vote of 30-4. It took effect immediately upon the governor's signing of it.

Local Voting Details

The news came just days before Newtown Town Clerk Debbie Halstead announced that, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 7-6, any person who is a registered Newtown voter or who is a US citizen assessed for at least $1,000 for Real Estate or Motor Vehicles on the 2021 Grand List for the Town of Newtown is qualified to vote absentee instead of appearing in person at the annual Budget Referendum scheduled for Tuesday, April 26.

On that day, budget polling will be conducted only at Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen Street, between the hours of 6 am and 8 pm.

An absentee ballot may be applied for by any qualified registered voter unable to vote due to the following reasons:

*Active service in the Armed Forces of the United States

*Absence from the town

*Sickness

*Religious tenets which forbid secular activity on the day of the election, primary or referendum

*Duties as a primary, election or referendum official at a polling place other than my own during all of the hours of voting

*Physical disability

Voters may print an Absentee ballot application by CLICKING HERE.

Absentee ballots for the 2022 referendum must be must be received by the Town Clerk no later than 8 pm April 26.

Completed absentee ballots may be mailed to the Town Clerk’s Office, or deposited in the ballot drop boxes located on the north and south entrances of the municipal center, 3 Primrose Street, during or after business office hours, or hand delivered to the Town Clerk during business hours, Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm.

A special Saturday Absentee balloting session is scheduled for April 23 at the Town Clerk's office from 9 am to noon. Any qualified voter with questions regarding absentee ballots may e-mail the Town Clerk’s office at town.clerk@newtown-ct.gov.

To check registration status, CLICK HERE.

For those who need to register to vote, that can be done online by CLICKING HERE.

For an absentee ballot for military voters or anyone currently living overseas, CLICK HERE.

Anyone with further questions regarding absentee ballots should contact the Town Clerk’s office at 203-270-4210.

Editor John Voket can be reached at john@thebee.com.