State House passes bill to bring early voting to CT

By Mark Pazniokas The

Connecticut Mirror

Tradition-bound Connecticut, a laggard among states in modernizing voting practices, would offer 14 days of early voting next year under a bill passed May 4 on a 10735 vote by the House of Representatives.

“It’s not for nothing Connecticut is called the Land of Steady Habits,” said Rep. Matt Blumenthal, D-Stamford. “For almost three centuries now, we have had some of the most restrictive voting laws in the country.”

One of only four states not allowing early in-person vot- ing, Connecticut can make the change only since November’s passage of a constitutional amendment that struck a prohibition against expanding the days of voting. “We saw this not only as a policy decision that we support but also as a mandate and an obligation dictated to us from the voters, ” Blumenthal said. “So that’s how we see it: The voters have given us a charge. We’re making good on it today.”

Fifteen Republicans voted with 92 Democrats for pas- sage. No Democrat was opposed. A four-hour debate began at 3:20 p.m. on House Bill 5004, a measure that still was being tweaked hours before being called for debate. Final passage in the Senate is assured, as is a signature from Gov. Ned Lamont.

House Minority Leader Vincent J. Candelora, R-North Branford, complained about the late availability of the final language and the length of early voting.

Republicans urged a more modest start, with three days of early voting spread over five days.

“Take a few steps towards early voting. See how it works,” said Rep. Tom O’Dea, R-New Canaan. “See how it works for an election cycle or two, and then perhaps go to 10 days or 14 as is proposed.”

The 14-day window was the most expansive of four options proposed by Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, based on a study

See Voting, A11

Berlin GOP

Registered Berlin Republicans: Do you want to make a difference in your community? The Berlin Republican Town Committee is looking for volunteers to serve on local boards, commissions and in elected offices. If interested, send an email to info@ berlingop.org.

Holiday

Town departments will be closed Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day. There will be no trash/ recycling pick-up on May 29. Trash/recycling will be picked up one day later.

BTC meeting

The Berlin Democratic Town Committee will hold its monthly meeting Thursday, May 18 at the Italian Independent Political Club, 16 Harding St.

A meet and greet will take place at 6:30 p.m. The meeting begins at 7. Democratic Party constituents are encouraged to attend to learn about important town issues and how to get involved. The DTC can be reached at berlindemocrats@gmail.com or via P.O. Box 93, 62 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT 06037.

HHW collection

Tunxis Recycling will conduct a residential household hazardous product disposal collection at the Residential Recycling Center, 642 Christian Lane, Berlin, Friday, May 19 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. ID is required. A list of acceptable items for disposal is available on the municipal website. For further information, call Public Works at 860-828-7022.

Art reception

The Berlin High School Art Department invites the public to its annual AP Studio Art/ECE UConn Drawing Exhibition Reception.

The gathering will take place Tuesday, May 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the BHS Library Media Center.

Walker Jeffrey Smead

A son, Walker Jeffrey Smead, was born on Monday, October 3, 2022, at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, to Jeffrey and Diana (Pulaski) Smead of Kensington.

Maternal grandparents are Jeff and Gina Pulaski of Kensington. Paternal grandmother is Melanie Smead of Woodbury.

Walker was born at 11:32 p.m., weighed 6 lbs. 13 ounces and was 19 inches long.

Referendum

The Town of Berlin will hold a budget referendum Tuesday, May 23. Detailed budget information is available on the municipal website.

Legion benefit

Are we alone in the universe? What does the gov- ernment know about extraterrestrial life?

These question and others will be discussed Thursday, May 18 at American Legion Hall, 154 Porters Pass. Join author and researcher RJ Teles, TV host Larry Mongillo and radio host Steve Parker as they discuss UFOs, and more. The event, a fundraiser for the Berlin