The protection of electoral democracy in Connecticut during the pandemic onslaught requires a two-pronged strategy: the practicing of social distancing at the polls on election days and the temporary adoption of new methods of remote ballot access for voters. Meeting this unprecedented challenge will require significant changes in current law and practice.
Gov. Ned Lamont rightfully began to address the first prong on March 19 when he issued Executive Order 7G to postpone the state’s presidential primary election from April 28 to June 2. In so doing, he cited “a compelling interest in reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 among voters, poll workers and residents, which risk would be heightened in the settings of indoor polling places and potential lines for voting, especially in polling places such as senior centers, schools, community centers and other public facilities.”
