Vote by mail

Dear Governor Lamont:

It is widely held that the 2020 election will be the most critical and consequential in living memory with immediate and direct implications for every American. Well before the current pandemic, it has been documented that our democratic elections have been under attack by forces foreign and domestic and would certainly be targeted again this year at all levels and locations of government. With the recent outbreak and rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus a new threat to our elections has emerged, one that inspires fear for the voting public as well poll administrators and volunteers. One that could radically curtail and undermine normal participation in the voting process and dramatically distort results and reporting.

Secretary of the State Merrill has introduced a detailed plan to ensure that Connecticut’s elections will be “safe, secure and accessible” and which includes expansion of absentee ballot access. Ours remains one of the few states that continues to impose conditions for absentee ballot applications and casting of absentee ballots by mail.

Every registered voter in Connecticut should have the option of voting by mail without qualification and documentation for physical condition, absence from the state, military service or religious exemption. As a voter, elected official and registered candidate for the General Assembly this fall, I respectfully request your support and executive action to expand mail balloting in our state to ensure the widest participation in our elections and to guarantee that no citizen should be forced to choose between protecting their health and exercising their right to vote. Frank Smith Board of Aldermen, Milford