CCAG Announces Endorsements
(CCAG) has announced its first round of endorsements in several national and state legislative races, with more underway pending announcements in October.
For President, CCAG’s board voted unanimously to endorse Kamala Harris and Tim
Walz.
For Connecticut Congressional races, CCAG endorses Democrats Joseph Courtney in the Second COngressional District, and Jahana Hayes in the Fifth, and Senator Chris Murphy.
For the state House of Representatives, CCAG endorses Aundre Bumgardner, Matt Blumenthal, Kevin Brown, Larry Butler, Christine Conley, Brandon Chafee, David DeFronzo, Mike Demicco, Pat Dillon, Josh Elliott, Kate Farrar, Mary Fortier, Jane Garibay, Jillian Gilchrest, Nick Gauthier, Bob Godfrey, Ken Gucker, Gregg Haddad, Joshua Hall, Maria Horn, Anne Hughes, Susan Johnson, Maryam Kahn, Sarah Keitt, Roland Lemar, Cristin McCarty-Vahey, Mary Mushinsky, Anthony Nolan, Geraldo Reyes, Kara Rochelle, Jason Rojas, Kevin Ryan, Bobby Sanchez, Manny Sanchez, Hilda Santiago, Gary Turco, and Toni Walker.
In the Connecticut Senate, CCAG endorses Saud Anwar, Jorge Cabrera, Christine Cohen, Mae Flexer, Jan Hochadel, Julie Kushner, Matt Lesser, Martin Looney, Rick Lopes, Martha Marx, Derek Slap, Gary Winfield, Patricia Billie Miller, and Sajuta Gadkar-Wilcox.
“In these very challenging times, we are fortunate to have the vision of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to move us into the future, and we look forward to being part of a record turnout leading to their decisive victory,” said CCAG executive director Tom Swan.
“And in Connecticut, we are also fortunate to have a dedicated and hardworking team of legislators who recognize the needs and rights of Connecticut’s families,” Swan added. “Our endorsed candidates have a history of challenging entrenched interests and fighting for health care, climate justice and democracy.”
Additional endorsements will be announced soon.
For President, CCAG’s board voted unanimously to endorse Kamala Harris and Tim
Walz.
For Connecticut Congressional races, CCAG endorses Democrats Joseph Courtney in the Second COngressional District, and Jahana Hayes in the Fifth, and Senator Chris Murphy.
For the state House of Representatives, CCAG endorses Aundre Bumgardner, Matt Blumenthal, Kevin Brown, Larry Butler, Christine Conley, Brandon Chafee, David DeFronzo, Mike Demicco, Pat Dillon, Josh Elliott, Kate Farrar, Mary Fortier, Jane Garibay, Jillian Gilchrest, Nick Gauthier, Bob Godfrey, Ken Gucker, Gregg Haddad, Joshua Hall, Maria Horn, Anne Hughes, Susan Johnson, Maryam Kahn, Sarah Keitt, Roland Lemar, Cristin McCarty-Vahey, Mary Mushinsky, Anthony Nolan, Geraldo Reyes, Kara Rochelle, Jason Rojas, Kevin Ryan, Bobby Sanchez, Manny Sanchez, Hilda Santiago, Gary Turco, and Toni Walker.
In the Connecticut Senate, CCAG endorses Saud Anwar, Jorge Cabrera, Christine Cohen, Mae Flexer, Jan Hochadel, Julie Kushner, Matt Lesser, Martin Looney, Rick Lopes, Martha Marx, Derek Slap, Gary Winfield, Patricia Billie Miller, and Sajuta Gadkar-Wilcox.
“In these very challenging times, we are fortunate to have the vision of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to move us into the future, and we look forward to being part of a record turnout leading to their decisive victory,” said CCAG executive director Tom Swan.
“And in Connecticut, we are also fortunate to have a dedicated and hardworking team of legislators who recognize the needs and rights of Connecticut’s families,” Swan added. “Our endorsed candidates have a history of challenging entrenched interests and fighting for health care, climate justice and democracy.”
Additional endorsements will be announced soon.
It’s National Voter RegistrationDay!
If you recently moved, changed your name, became a citizen, haven't already registered to vote, or just aren't sure, today is THE day to get VoteReady.
Register to vote/check your Voter Registration status HERE NOW!
This could be the most important election of our lives.
Make your voting plan now and please be sure to spread the word.
Legislative Wrap Up Highlights for Democracy 2024
HB 5498 AAC Election Security and Transparency and Various Other Revisions This bill passed and is verycomprehensive but doesn’t go far enough and there will be more work to do next year. Major provisions would revamp several aspects of the state’s absentee ballot rules and would require the following: Video recording of absentee ballot drop boxes, and for municipalities to retain those recordings; Town clerks to record the method of receipt for absentee ballots and to track absentee ballots in a statewide voter registration system, and; Limit who can request additional absentee ballots as well as when voters can submit absentee ballot applications. The bill also includes several other provisions that serve to clean up other aspects of Connecticut’s voter laws.
SB 253 AAC Foreign Political Spending. Passed and will prevent foreign interference in state referenda and elections and allow for greater enforcement of violations, including by affording the State Elections Enforcement Commission more time to investigate foreign political spending cases.
CCAG also testified on a bill to provide critical support to local journalism. HB 5408 would have
required state agencies to allocate 15% of their advertising spending to Connecticut-owned news outlets that produce local journalism. Had it passed the bill would have been important support for the journalism that democracy needs to survive.
SB 253 AAC Foreign Political Spending. Passed and will prevent foreign interference in state referenda and elections and allow for greater enforcement of violations, including by affording the State Elections Enforcement Commission more time to investigate foreign political spending cases.
CCAG also testified on a bill to provide critical support to local journalism. HB 5408 would have
required state agencies to allocate 15% of their advertising spending to Connecticut-owned news outlets that produce local journalism. Had it passed the bill would have been important support for the journalism that democracy needs to survive.
Don't Forget to Vote! All the information you need for the upcoming presidential primary on Tuesday, April 2nd 2024.
The presidential primary Election Day is Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Polls will be open 6 AM - 8 PM as they always are on Election Day, and voting locations are by precinct.
Check your registration and polling location on the Office of the Connecticut Secretary of the State lookup page here.
You can find all information at MyVote.CT.Gov
Legislative Highlights so far this year
SB 441 AAC Election Administration Oversight. CCAG supports this bill with certain amendments. We strongly support the concept of a Municipal Election Accountability Board. However, we believe the bill needs some changes to ensure timely action that protects election integrity. If properly structured, this bill will help to deter and better handle controversies like what transpired in Bridgeport.
HB 5448 AAC Security of Certain Election Workers and Elections Related Locations. Poll workers are the backbone of American democracy, and our voting system would be obsolete without them. This bill protects poll workers from the disturbing influx of violence and threats they’ve been subjected to since the 2020 election. The bill protects the privacy of election workers’ personal information, bans the presence of firearms and deadly weapons near polling locations and other key election infrastructure, and establishes serious legal consequences for harassing, threatening, or harming an election worker.
HB 5448 AAC Security of Certain Election Workers and Elections Related Locations. Poll workers are the backbone of American democracy, and our voting system would be obsolete without them. This bill protects poll workers from the disturbing influx of violence and threats they’ve been subjected to since the 2020 election. The bill protects the privacy of election workers’ personal information, bans the presence of firearms and deadly weapons near polling locations and other key election infrastructure, and establishes serious legal consequences for harassing, threatening, or harming an election worker.
DEMOCRACY 2023
On 5/25, the Connecticut Senate voted to pass Senate Bill 1226 (S.B. 1226 or “CTVRA”), a
state-level Voting Rights Act that seeks to expand access to the freedom to vote and strengthen
protections against voting discrimination for communities of color throughout the state. The bill now moves to the Connecticut House of Representatives, which has the opportunity to enact this historic legislation by June 7th, when the current session ends. If passed, the CTVRA will immediately become one of the most comprehensive state-level voting rights acts in the country.
The Connecticut Voting Rights Act’s critical protections include:
● Launching a “preclearance” program requiring local governments with a record or other
signs of discrimination to prove that certain voting changes won’t harm voters of color
before they can go into effect.
● Providing new legal tools to fight discriminatory voting rules in court.
● Expanding language assistance for voters with limited English proficiency.
● Creating strong protections against voter intimidation, deception, or obstruction.
● Establishing a central hub for election data and demographic information to increase
transparency and help Connecticut voters fight for accessible elections.
In response to the passage of S.B. 1226, 33 civil rights, voting rights, labor, service, community,
and faith-based organizations issued the following statement:
“We applaud all members of the Connecticut Senate on the passage of S.B. 1226, a strong and comprehensive state voting rights act. We fully support this proposed legislation and commend the bill’s leading champions, Senator Mae Flexer and Representative Matt Blumenthal, for all their work to reach this point. At a time when other states across the country are restricting voting access— and despite inaction in Washington D.C. to cement this fundamental freedom--
Connecticut policymakers are standing up for the right to vote. We look forward to final passage in the House of Representatives. Once enacted and signed into law, the Connecticut Voting Rights Act will pave the way to a stronger, more inclusive democracy—both here in Connecticut and across the nation, as a model for other states.
“Every Connecticut voter should have an equal opportunity to cast their ballot fairly and accessibly. Across the state, this transformative bill is strongly backed with substantial, bipartisan support. Recent poll data indicates that an overwhelming majority of Connecticut voters, 81%, agree that, rather than depending upon the federal government, ‘Connecticut needs its own strong laws to ensure every eligible voter has equal access to the ballot.’ These polling results also reveal that 75% of Connecticut voters support the CTVRA across race and party lines, and that 89% of Black voters and 85% of Latino voters want their representatives to prioritize it. On this momentous occasion, we are eager to continue working with the General Assembly and Governor Lamont to ensure that this historic legislation is fully enacted this session.”
More information about public support for the CTVRA is available here, and a report on how the legislation will help Connecticut become a national leader by meeting a critical local need is available here.
Signed; ACLU of Connecticut, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), Bridgeport Generation Now Votes, Campaign Legal Center, Collaborative Center for Justice, Common Cause in Connecticut, Connecticut Citizen Action Group, Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, Connecticut NAACP State Conference, CSEA SEIU Local 2001, CT Alliance for Retired Americans, CT Shoreline Indivisible, FairVote Action, Greater Hartford NAACP, Greater New Haven NAACP, Hartford Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Hispanic Federation, Connecticut Chapter, Island Worldwide, IndivisibleCT4 (ICT4), Indivisible Greenwich,Indivisible Stamford, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, League of Women Voters of Connecticut, Make Voting Easy - CT, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, National Association of Social Workers, Connecticut Chapter, New Haven Peoples Center, Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut, Progressive Women of Greater Hartford, Safe Vote CT, Stand Up America, SEIU - CT State Council, Urban League of Greater Hartford
state-level Voting Rights Act that seeks to expand access to the freedom to vote and strengthen
protections against voting discrimination for communities of color throughout the state. The bill now moves to the Connecticut House of Representatives, which has the opportunity to enact this historic legislation by June 7th, when the current session ends. If passed, the CTVRA will immediately become one of the most comprehensive state-level voting rights acts in the country.
The Connecticut Voting Rights Act’s critical protections include:
● Launching a “preclearance” program requiring local governments with a record or other
signs of discrimination to prove that certain voting changes won’t harm voters of color
before they can go into effect.
● Providing new legal tools to fight discriminatory voting rules in court.
● Expanding language assistance for voters with limited English proficiency.
● Creating strong protections against voter intimidation, deception, or obstruction.
● Establishing a central hub for election data and demographic information to increase
transparency and help Connecticut voters fight for accessible elections.
In response to the passage of S.B. 1226, 33 civil rights, voting rights, labor, service, community,
and faith-based organizations issued the following statement:
“We applaud all members of the Connecticut Senate on the passage of S.B. 1226, a strong and comprehensive state voting rights act. We fully support this proposed legislation and commend the bill’s leading champions, Senator Mae Flexer and Representative Matt Blumenthal, for all their work to reach this point. At a time when other states across the country are restricting voting access— and despite inaction in Washington D.C. to cement this fundamental freedom--
Connecticut policymakers are standing up for the right to vote. We look forward to final passage in the House of Representatives. Once enacted and signed into law, the Connecticut Voting Rights Act will pave the way to a stronger, more inclusive democracy—both here in Connecticut and across the nation, as a model for other states.
“Every Connecticut voter should have an equal opportunity to cast their ballot fairly and accessibly. Across the state, this transformative bill is strongly backed with substantial, bipartisan support. Recent poll data indicates that an overwhelming majority of Connecticut voters, 81%, agree that, rather than depending upon the federal government, ‘Connecticut needs its own strong laws to ensure every eligible voter has equal access to the ballot.’ These polling results also reveal that 75% of Connecticut voters support the CTVRA across race and party lines, and that 89% of Black voters and 85% of Latino voters want their representatives to prioritize it. On this momentous occasion, we are eager to continue working with the General Assembly and Governor Lamont to ensure that this historic legislation is fully enacted this session.”
More information about public support for the CTVRA is available here, and a report on how the legislation will help Connecticut become a national leader by meeting a critical local need is available here.
Signed; ACLU of Connecticut, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), Bridgeport Generation Now Votes, Campaign Legal Center, Collaborative Center for Justice, Common Cause in Connecticut, Connecticut Citizen Action Group, Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, Connecticut NAACP State Conference, CSEA SEIU Local 2001, CT Alliance for Retired Americans, CT Shoreline Indivisible, FairVote Action, Greater Hartford NAACP, Greater New Haven NAACP, Hartford Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Hispanic Federation, Connecticut Chapter, Island Worldwide, IndivisibleCT4 (ICT4), Indivisible Greenwich,Indivisible Stamford, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, League of Women Voters of Connecticut, Make Voting Easy - CT, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, National Association of Social Workers, Connecticut Chapter, New Haven Peoples Center, Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut, Progressive Women of Greater Hartford, Safe Vote CT, Stand Up America, SEIU - CT State Council, Urban League of Greater Hartford
5/17 Support the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of CT Lobby Day
Join Common Cause in CT on Wednesday, May 17th at 10:30 AM in Hartford, CT where their Lobby Day will be held at the Legislative Office Building Atrium, 300 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106.
This Lobby Day will give community members (you!) an opportunity to speak with your legislators and encourage them to act on behalf of the overwhelming number of Connecticut residents who are in favor of equitable access to voting & to urge legislators to support and co-sponsor the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of CT!
You will also have the opportunity to provide stories of any barriers to voting you or someone you know may have encountered.
RSVP & more info here: Feel free to send this form out to anyone you think should be in attendance!
Parking instructions for Lobby Day
This Lobby Day will give community members (you!) an opportunity to speak with your legislators and encourage them to act on behalf of the overwhelming number of Connecticut residents who are in favor of equitable access to voting & to urge legislators to support and co-sponsor the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of CT!
You will also have the opportunity to provide stories of any barriers to voting you or someone you know may have encountered.
RSVP & more info here: Feel free to send this form out to anyone you think should be in attendance!
Parking instructions for Lobby Day
2023 Legislative Session
CCAG is working to pass a number of crucial election bills that will strengthen our democracy and make Connecticut's elections more accessible and fair.
Wednesday, February 22nd at 10:00AM there is a public legislative hearing on proposed implementation plans for Early Voting, on the proposed resolution to allow No-Excuse Absentee Voting and on improving current access to Absentee Ballots.
Although Connecticut is known to be a progressive state, we still have some of the most restrictive voting laws in the country. These bills are crucial step to rectify our history of voter suppression and discrimination.
The hearing is in-person in Room 2A of the Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Ave, Hartford, AND via Zoom and will be broadcast on YouTube Live.
Here is how you can take action...
We must make sure our legislators listen to their constituents and make Connecticut's elections more fair and accessible. A healthy democracy is one that works for ALL of us.
Let's make it happen.
Although Connecticut is known to be a progressive state, we still have some of the most restrictive voting laws in the country. These bills are crucial step to rectify our history of voter suppression and discrimination.
The hearing is in-person in Room 2A of the Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Ave, Hartford, AND via Zoom and will be broadcast on YouTube Live.
Here is how you can take action...
- DOWNLOAD THIS SAMPLE TESTIMONY and make your own edits (yellow highlights are prompts for your own input). The hearing agenda is here.
- ATTACH YOUR TESTIMONY AND EMAIL IT directly to [email protected] (the Assistant Clerk for the Government Administration & Elections (GAE) Committee. Or submit your testimony by using this On-line Testimony Submission form.
- SIGN UP TO PROVIDE IN-PERSON TESTIMONY OR LIVE VIRTUAL ZOOM TESTIMONY for the 10:00AM, Weds. Feb. 22nd hearing. The deadline to register is 3PM TODAY Feb. 21st!
We must make sure our legislators listen to their constituents and make Connecticut's elections more fair and accessible. A healthy democracy is one that works for ALL of us.
Let's make it happen.
The Connecticut Voting Rights Act
On January 31st 2023 CCAG joined lawmakers, civil rights, labor, grassroots, and faith-based organizations to call for the passage of the Connecticut Voting Rights Act (CTVRA).
By enacting this landmark bill, Connecticut would join California, Oregon, Washington, Virginia, and New York as states with their own voting rights acts to bolster protections against discriminatory barriers that would infringe upon the ability to exercise the fundamental right to vote.
Read the full press release here.
Democracy 2022
Get Involved and Vote Yes on Question One!
This November in Connecticut, there is a Constitutional Amendment (Question 1) on the ballot. It’s important.
The purpose is to permit in-person Early Voting in Connecticut by allowing the state legislature to establish a system of Early Voting, much like nearly every state in the nation.
Currently, 46 states permit Early Voting. Connecticut does not, which often discourages or prevents eligible voters in our state from voting. Early Voting can help families, commuters, employees, employers, seniors and students – virtually everyone who is eligible to vote.
As Americans, voting is among our most fundamental rights. Especially in Connecticut – the Constitution State – eliminating obstacles so that residents can exercise that right is why Question 1 is so important.
VOTE YES FOR EARLY VOTING!
Pollstanders are needed! To sign up for a training, click here.
A web site with more information is here.
A printable flyer is here.
CCAG Intern Leads Removal of Confederate Flag from Registrar of Voters Office
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CCAG is proud to share how our intern & CCSU student @TainaSanaa took action yesterday at New Britain City Hall.
From her tweet: "Yesterday on October 24th I went to the New Britain City Hall. I was taken back and devastated by the public display of a Confederate Flag in the office of the Republican registrar of voters, Peter Gosten. "I expressed to Gosten how inappropriate this was as he proceeded to justify it being displayed. On the way out a POC who works at the City Hall expressed the discomfort they felt in their work environment due to the overt racism and hostility. "Today I took action along with community organizers, the New Britain Racial Justice Coalition, and CCAG. We went to Gosten's office and demanded the flag be removed as it represents the preservation of slavery, Jim crow, and voter suppression among other acts of white supremacy." |
CCAG 2022 Legislative Scorecard
The CCAG Annual Scorecard helps to inform how your elected officials voted on the various bills related to CCAG and member concerns, helping with your decisions at the polls in November. You can view or download the scorecard here.
Preparing for the 2023 legislative session, CCAG, members and allies are working creatively and diligently to face the challenges of this moment. None of our successes would be possible without you. Thank you for your steadfast support as we build capacity for the future and ensure that progressive voices remain at the forefront of our policies and public life!
2022 Voting Information
Quick Links
● How to register to vote: https://voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVR/welcome.do ● Check your voter registration: https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx ● Absentee ballot application: https://portal.ct.gov/SOTS/Election-Services/VoterInformation/Absentee-Voting ● Check the status of your absentee ballot application and/or absentee ballot (by looking up your voter registration): https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx ● Find your polling place (by looking up your voter registration): https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx ● List of local election offices: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SOTS/ElectionServices/TownClerk/Town-Clerks-List.pdf |
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Victories from the 2022 Legislative Session
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HB 5262 An Act Revising Certain Absentee Voting Eligibility Statutes has been signed by the Governor. It allows qualified voters to vote by absentee ballot if during the hours of voting they are unable to appear because of sickness or physical disability other than their own sickness or physical disability. Additionally, the bill authorizes qualified voters to vote by absentee ballot on a primary election, general election, or a referendum if the voter will be absent from the town of their voting residence. HB 5262 also makes technical corrections regarding expired provisions of absentee ballot voting during the 2020 and 2021 elections. This would NOT give access to universal absentee ballot voting! |
Victories from the 2021 Legislative Session to Build on in 2022
HB 1202 AAC Provisions Related to Revenue and Other Items to Implement in the State Budget for the Biennium.
Crucial pieces of voting reforms from the original bill SB 5, along with many other positive policies, were passed in the “implementer bill.” Victories included Automatic Voter Registration expansion, allowing people on parole to vote, easing the delivery of absentee ballots, making drop boxes permanent and implementing an election monitor for Bridgeport elections. These are just a few of the reforms that will expand voting rights in Connecticut and make our elections accessible and fair for all of our residents. Read more here.
HJ 59 Resolution Approving an Amendment to the State Constitution to Allow for Early Voting.
A constitutional referendum to remove the constitutional prohibition against in person early voting will be put to voters in November, 2022. There was bipartisan support for this resolution, which only needed a simple majority to pass, having already passed the legislature by simple majority in 2019.
HJ 58 Resolution Proposing a State Constitutional Amendment to Allow No-Excuse Absentee Voting.
This resolution passed by a bipartisan majority in both chambers, but not by the 75% required to put a constitutional question on the ballot. It now must pass again in the next legislature by a simple majority. If it passes by a simple majority again in 2023, the question of removing the constitutional prohibition on no excuse absentee balloting will be placed on the 2024 ballot for voters.
Connect the Dollars Project (CDP)
CONNECT THE DOLLARS PROJECT (CDP) is a collaboration of Common Cause in CT and CT Citizen Action Group to expose attempts to buy our state.
At this time we are monitoring and analyzing independent expenditures which are designed to influence the preferences and behavior of voters. During a primary campaign or general election campaign period, committees spending on statewide or General Assembly candidates that in the aggregate exceed $1,000 must file reports within 24 hours of making or obligating to make the expenditure.
Like & Share the CDP Faceboook page to follow the money and connect the dollars!
Connecticut is witnessing exactly what opponents of the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizen United ruling warned us about. Read the report here.
In a comprehensive review of all reported Independent Expenditures through October 11th- Connect the Dollars Project, (a collaboration of Common Cause in CT and CT Citizen Action Group) attempts to shine a light on how dirty money is corrupting the principle of one person one vote in CT and begin to educate the public about this. Read the Executive Summary here.
At this time we are monitoring and analyzing independent expenditures which are designed to influence the preferences and behavior of voters. During a primary campaign or general election campaign period, committees spending on statewide or General Assembly candidates that in the aggregate exceed $1,000 must file reports within 24 hours of making or obligating to make the expenditure.
Like & Share the CDP Faceboook page to follow the money and connect the dollars!
Connecticut is witnessing exactly what opponents of the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizen United ruling warned us about. Read the report here.
In a comprehensive review of all reported Independent Expenditures through October 11th- Connect the Dollars Project, (a collaboration of Common Cause in CT and CT Citizen Action Group) attempts to shine a light on how dirty money is corrupting the principle of one person one vote in CT and begin to educate the public about this. Read the Executive Summary here.
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL
Connecticut Citizen Action Group, 30 Arbor Street Ste 107, Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 233-2181 - [email protected]t
(860) 233-2181 - [email protected]t