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As a proud, principled Republican and former candidate for Connecticut Secretary of State, my New Year’s resolution is clear: it’s time to restore trust in our electoral process through common-sense measures. Elections should reflect the people's will, not become a tug-of-war over loopholes and gray areas. Connecticut deserves better, and here’s how we can achieve that.
IDs: The Key to Trust
Let’s start with the basics. In a country where you need an ID to rent a car, buy a six-pack, or even enter some office buildings, why on earth don’t we require one to vote? Requiring government-issued identification to vote isn’t controversial—it’s common sense. 87% of Americans support voter ID laws.
But wait, there’s more! Starting May 9, 2025, the federal Real ID—that fancy one with the gold star—becomes the standard for accessing government buildings, courthouses, air travel, and even crossing borders. It’s like the new golden ticket, except instead of getting into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, it gets you through TSA. This isn’t just about elections; it’s about being a functioning citizen in the United States.
Connecticut should get ahead by helping citizens secure their Real IDs. Let’s make this a seamless part of the voting process. Picture this: a voter walks into town hall, flashes their Real ID (or gathers the necessary documents to get one), and walks out ready to vote and navigate the bureaucratic maze of modern life. It’s like killing two birds with one gold star.
Whether you’re voting in person or requesting an absentee ballot, a simple ID check can go a long way toward rebuilding confidence in the system. Shouldn’t ballot casting carry the same standard if IDs are required for everyday tasks? After all, no one wants their elections to be less secure than their Netflix account.
Drop Boxes: Safe, Secure, and Sensible
Ballot drop boxes were a pragmatic solution during the height of the pandemic, but their security remains a weak link in the chain. Leaving them unattended on sidewalks or street corners is an open invitation for misuse or tampering.
The solution is straightforward: move drop boxes indoors to government buildings, where they can be monitored under video surveillance. Access should be limited to business hours, just as you’d expect when paying taxes or renewing your driver’s license. This isn’t about making voting harder; it’s about making it more secure.
Fixing the Frenzy of Same-Day Registration
I’ve seen firsthand how chaotic same-day registration can be. On Election Day, registrars are expected to verify newly registered voters while simultaneously running a high-stakes election. It’s like drinking from a fire hose—and the result is often rushed, error-prone vetting that undermines the integrity of the process.
Here’s a compromise: Any same-day or Election Day registrations that cannot be fully vetted in time should be treated as provisional ballots. Once the voter's information is verified, these ballots can be counted in full. This ensures no legitimate voter is turned away but guarantees that shortcuts won’t compromise the system. We can’t afford to undermine confidence in our elections by rushing through this critical process.
Let’s be honest: voters have 364 days to register, so waiting until the last minute doesn’t look good. Encouraging procrastination only adds to the chaos, which the current system invites. Worse yet, we shouldn’t see busloads of college students arriving at polling stations at the eleventh hour, clutching boxes of pizza and an agenda they’re only halfway invested in. Voting should reflect a genuine connection to the local community—not just a rushed stop on the way back to campus.
We should also address situations where individuals who don’t meet Connecticut’s residency or citizenship requirements still want to vote. For example, a voter who just moved here and failed to cast an absentee ballot in their former hometown could be issued a federal ballot. This would allow them to vote for federal offices—like the president or congressional representatives—without participating in state or local elections where they have no meaningful connection. Local races should be decided by residents who understand and are invested in the community—not by “carpetbagger” voters passing through.
By treating unvetted registrations as provisional ballots, encouraging timely registration, and creating a solution for out-of-state voters, we can bring much-needed order and integrity to Connecticut’s same-day registration process. It’s not about making voting harder; it’s about making it fair, secure, and grounded in the community.
Residency Requirements: The Georgia Gold Standard
Georgia has emerged as a model for election integrity, requiring new residents to live in the state for at least 30 days before voting. Connecticut should adopt a similar rule. New voters should be required to prove their residency with documentation like a utility bill, lease agreement, or updated driver’s license.
You shouldn't be voting here if you’re not invested enough in Connecticut to establish residency. It’s as simple as that.
One Voter, One Vote: Leave Ranked-Choice Voting Behind
Ranked-choice voting (RCV) might sound trendy, but it’s a solution in search of a problem. This convoluted system confuses voters, dilutes results, and undermines confidence in elections. Worse, it can leave voters feeling like their ballots didn’t count.
Our democracy is built on a simple principle: one voter, one vote. Why complicate it? Let’s keep Connecticut’s elections straightforward and accessible.
Hands Off Absentee Ballots: The Voter’s Responsibility
Absentee voting is an essential option for many voters, and Connecticut has made it easy for everyone to access this convenience. Voters can request an absentee ballot online through the Secretary of State’s website or visit their local town clerk to make a request—hopefully while presenting a government-issued ID. These systems are designed to ensure accessibility, and that’s a good thing.
But accessibility comes with responsibility. While we want to make voting easy, we also need to emphasize the importance of accountability in the process. Voters must take ownership of their ballots, whether they’re voting in person or remotely.
Let’s face it: voting in person is always the safest way to ensure your vote is counted. In-person voting eliminates risks like insufficient signatures, ballots lost in the mail, or outright malfeasance. Even bad luck—such as your late ballot—can undermine your voice when you vote by mail. Once your ballot leaves your hands and enters the postal system, you lose control over its journey.
That’s why voters who can should prioritize casting their ballots in person. For those who must vote absentee, the process must remain secure and free from interference. Political operatives should never be allowed to touch an absentee ballot or application—it’s just too easy for trust to be broken when accountability isn’t clear.
Ultimately, whether voting in person or by mail, the goal is to ensure every legitimate vote is counted and every voter’s voice is heard.
Voter Fraud: Zero Tolerance
Voter fraud strikes at the heart of democracy, yet Connecticut’s response has been tepid at best. Every recent fraud case in our state has involved absentee ballots, which are typically mishandled by campaign operatives. This isn’t just illegal; it’s an affront to every honest voter.
To deter future fraud, we need stiff penalties: mandatory jail time for offenders and a lifetime ban on participating in campaigns or running for office. Let's make it clear that you don't get a second chance if you break the public's trust.
A Trustworthy Future
None of these proposals are radical; they’re rooted in common sense. By implementing these measures, Connecticut can create a system where voters—regardless of party affiliation—feel confident that their voices are heard and their votes are secure.
Let 2025 be the year we restore trust in our elections. It’s not just a resolution—it’s a responsibility.
