Conn. bill would create early voting pilot program

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut lawmakers are considering a bill that would create a pilot program for early voting in municipal elections.

While not fully drafted yet, the proposal is one of several bills being offered during this year's legislative session to allow people to cast their ballots prior to Election Day.

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill testified in favor of the legislation on Monday before the General Assembly's Government Administration and Elections Committee. Merrill said Connecticut needs to modernize its elections and provide more options for busy voters.

She said she has already asked several municipalities whether they would like to develop the idea further. Merrill said a pilot program would be a great opportunity to "test the waters" and get some data on early voting to see how it would work.