State Rep. Christine Palm Talks Caregivers & Absentee Statutes

ESSEX, CHESTER, DEEP RIVER, CT — State Representative Christine Palm (D-36) talks to the community about including Caregivers in Absentee Statutes:

"Dear Neighbor,

Protecting voting rights and making voting more accessible are essential for civic engagement. Indeed, they are foundational to our democracy. That’s why many of you have written to me expressing your support for these measures here in Connecticut -- especially at a time when some legislatures in this country are moving in the opposite direction. That’s why I was so pleased to be able to vote for legislation this week to include caregivers among those people who can vote by absentee ballot.

Under current law, caregivers and family members of those with a disability or illness are not eligible to vote by absentee, forcing them to choose between their right to vote and caring for a loved one. HB 6205 adopts a more general standard of sickness and disability, thereby allowing caregivers and family members the opportunity to vote by absentee.

Connecticut continues to work on voter protections to make voting as easy, safe, and accessible as possible. The House also passed two resolutions focused on voting rights earlier this month: HJ 58 which calls for no-excuse absentee voting, and HJ 59 which allows for early voting.

All three of these voting reforms are awaiting further action in the Senate.

While other states are passing legislation to disenfranchise voters, Connecticut is acting to support participation in the democratic process.

Please help me reach your neighbors, who may be in need, by forwarding this email to them. Feel free to contact me by email at Christine.Palm@cga.ct.gov with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Christine Palm
State Representative"