Legislature Considers Forming Task Force Aimed at Increasing Voter Participation in CT

The legislature’s Government Administration & Elections Committee heard testimony at a public hearing Monday on House Bill 7242, An Act Studying an Increase in Voter Participation. The bill would establish a task force to study:

• efforts to achieve 100% voter participation by January 1, 2030,

• means of enhancing civic engagement generally in the state,

• experiences of jurisdictions that have enacted policies to require citizens to vote as a civic duty,

• potential implementation options in pursuit of achieving such 100% voter participation goal, and

• needs of municipal officials in administering such elections.

Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas testified in support of the legislation, pointing out that “Unlike other bills this committee has seen that proposed a fine for failing to vote, this bill presents a far more thoughtful and effective approach to increasing voter participation, and we strongly support the concept.”

Thomas went on to note that “With 26 countries around the world where voting is a required civic duty, known as universal voting, this bill acknowledges that enhancing voter engagement is crucial. The creation of the task force will provide us with an invaluable opportunity to explore and learn what more we can do to encourage participation, foster civic responsibility, and improve voter turnout.”

Additionally, Thomas suggested, “The task force can also look at whether municipalities should have the ability to pilot new ideas for raising participation rates. We believe this proactive approach will lead to lasting and meaningful changes in our electoral system.”

Chris Senecal, Senior Public Policy Officer of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, explained that “As part of our efforts to dismantle structural racism and improve social and economic mobility for Black and Latine residents of Greater Harfford, the Harfford Foundation supports civic and resident engagement in our region. Research shows consistently low rates of voter registration and turnout, Senecal noted, “among particular populations in our region, referred to as “underrepresented voters.” The populations in Greater Harfford with the lowest rates of voter participation are people of color, especially Black and Lafine voters; young voters between the ages of 18-29; and residents of the City of Harfford.”

Werner Oyanadel, Latino and Puerto Rican Policy Director for the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity (CWCSEO), also supported the legislation “because it aligns with our mission of increasing family civics and civic engagement while ensuring that every individual in our state has an equitable opportunity to participate in the democratic process. We are dedicated to promoting policies that eliminate barriers to voting and enhance access to the ballot for all communities, particularly those historically underrepresented in the electoral process.”

Oyanadel observed that “Connecticut has already made strides toward increasing voter participation through measures such as early voting and expanding mail-in voting. However, more can be done to ensure that every eligible voter has a voice.”  He said that CWCSEO would be interested in participating in the task force that would be created if the bill is adopted, and urged that its scope be expanded to also include identifying and evaluating barriers to voter participation.

“With our democracy under greater threat than it has ever been in our lifetimes, we must address this situation and there is no time to lose,” testified Richard Frieder, Coordinator of the Hartford Votes-Hartford Vota Coalition, which has made “moving the needle” on voter engagement and turnout its top priority.

“While voter turnout statewide in Connecticut is solid, it ranks only 15th among states in the country so there is significant room for improvement. And participation in municipal elections in Connecticut is alarmingly low, with some recent elections drawing turnouts of only 10-15%. Our nation cannot survive and prosper with such low levels of participation,” Frieder added.

CT Data Collaborative’s 2024 Election Analysis showed that voter participation declined statewide from 80 percent in the 2020 presidential election to 76 percent in 2024, Senecal’s testimony noted. East Harfford saw a significant decline, with turnout dropping 15 percentage-points, from 66 percent to 51 percent. Harfford’s turnout has consistently declined over the last three elections, from 63 percent in 2016, to 50 percent in 2020, to only 43 percent in 2024. According to DataHaven’s Greater Hartford Wellbeing Index, Frieder added, 63 percent of White people surveyed reported that they perceive the government to be responsive compared to 48 percent of both Black people and Latine people.

“For too long, underrepresented communities have borne the greatest burden of low voter turnout. Whether it ’s because of systemic barriers, disillusionment with the process, or simply not feeling that their vote will make a difference, too many people stay home on Election Day,” said former state legislator Evelyn Mantilla in her testimony.  “Now imagine a different Connecticut —one where 90% of voters consistently turn out in every election. That kind of participation would transform our state. It would mean elected officials who truly reflect the diversity and priorities of their communities. It would lead to policies that address issues like economic opportunity, healthcare access, and education equity in ways that genuinely serve the people. And it would strengthen our democracy by fostering a culture in which every resident knows their voice matters.”