HB498

Absentee ballot-related forms are now available to Town Clerks online--why go backwards to a physical form sent by the SOS office no earlier than 45 days prior to an election? This is 20th century thinking and wastes time for everyone. What kind of conspiracy theory fraud do you think happens because of the current system??

The right to a free and fair election is one of the most important rights we hold in this country

I would like to express my opposition to the proposed bill that mandates absentee ballot applications be distributed no sooner than 45 days prior to an election. While I understand the intent behind this measure, I believe it would have negative consequences for voters, especially for those who rely on absentee voting due to circumstances beyond their control. Voter Access and Rights: The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy. By limiting the availability of absentee ballot applications to a 45-day window, we risk disenfranchising voters who may need more time to request their ballots. Absentee voting is crucial for a wide range of people: military members, people with disabilities, seniors, and those who are traveling or living abroad. This bill unnecessarily shortens the time for these voters to secure their ballots, potentially leaving many without an adequate opportunity to participate in the election process. Proactive Planning and Preparedness: Elections often require extensive planning, and many voters begin the process of securing their absentee ballots well before the 45-day window. For example, seniors or voters with disabilities may need additional time to request accommodations or support to fill out their ballots. Furthermore, individuals who live in remote areas may need extra time for mail delivery. The earlier distribution of absentee applications helps ensure that these individuals have sufficient time to request, receive, and return their ballots without undue stress or confusion. Unintended Consequences for Voter Turnout: Research shows that voter turnout is positively impacted by greater access to voting resources and information. The proposed restriction would, in effect, reduce the time for absentee voters to receive necessary materials and make their decisions. This will likely lead to confusion, delays, and, in some cases, prevent some voters from casting their ballots entirely. The end result may be a decline in voter participation, particularly among vulnerable populations who rely on absentee voting the most. Technology and Flexibility: In today’s digital age, voters have the ability to request absentee ballots more efficiently than ever before, and many states already allow for applications to be submitted online. Rather than restricting when absentee ballots can be distributed, we should be exploring ways to increase flexibility, such as making absentee ballot applications available year-round, or encouraging better communication and outreach to ensure all eligible voters are aware of their rights and deadlines. Precedent for Early Access: In many states, absentee ballots are made available long before 45 days out from an election. This policy has worked to expand voter access and increase the inclusivity of our elections. The current bill seems to go against this positive trend, and could set a dangerous precedent for limiting voter access in ways that are not in the best interests of our democracy. In conclusion, while I appreciate the intentions behind this bill, I urge you to consider the negative impact it could have on voter participation, particularly for those who rely on absentee voting. Rather than limiting access to absentee ballots, we should strive to make voting as accessible as possible for every eligible voter. Thank you for your time and consideration. I strongly urge you to vote against this bill.

I see no reason that absentee ballot requests should not be provided as soon as the candidates have been defined. Given the ever diminishing efficiency of the postal system with only 45 days no one could assure that the requests could be mailed out, completed and returned to the town official for counting in time for inclusion in the count.

This is voter suppression.

What purpose does this bill serve?