Sen. Gordon Fights for Increased Funding to Support Early Voting in Connecticut Towns

HARTFORD, CT—Today, the Appropriations Committee took up and moved forward S.B. 17, legislation introduced by Senator Jeff Gordon (R-Woodstock) to secure critical funding for municipalities facing increased costs due to early voting implementation. The bill seeks to ensure that towns receive full reimbursement for the additional expenses associated with expanded election administration.

“Early voting increases voter access and encourages participation, but we cannot place the financial burden solely on our towns,” said Sen. Gordon. “This bill is about fairness. Unfunded state mandates do not work. Our municipalities and taxpayers should not have to choose between properly administering elections and balancing town budgets. By securing this funding, we are ensuring that every town has the resources needed to continue running.

The legislation introduced by Sen. Gordon appropriates funds to the Office of Policy and Management for distribution to municipalities, making them whole for any additional costs incurred due to early voting. This measure is essential to supporting the work of local election officials.

“I urge my colleagues to support this bill and stand with our towns,” Sen. Gordon added. “We have a responsibility to provide the necessary resources so that every eligible voter can cast their ballot without issue and towns can afford the extra costs associated with early voting.”

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