Story perspectives

Governor Signs Law Ending Connecticut Absentee Excuse

5/23/2026

37 8

Summary

Story summary

Governor Ned Lamont signed Public Act 26-42 on May 19, 2026, ending the excuse requirement for absentee voting in Connecticut.
The bill passed the House and cleared the Senate by a 25-11 vote on the session’s final day, adding ballot-tracking, automatic applications and a ballot-curing process.
Republican senators Stephen Harding and Rob Sampson argued the measure expands mail-in voting without safeguards and fails to address the Bridgeport ballot-box fraud issue.

1 of 1

Story summary

Governor Ned Lamont signed Public Act 26-42 on May 19, 2026, ending the excuse requirement for absentee voting in Connecticut.
The bill passed the House and cleared the Senate by a 25-11 vote on the session’s final day, adding ballot-tracking, automatic applications and a ballot-curing process.
Republican senators Stephen Harding and Rob Sampson argued the measure expands mail-in voting without safeguards and fails to address the Bridgeport ballot-box fraud issue.