This year, all eligible voters who live in Connecticut will be able to vote early, in-person, starting on October 21! We also have the opportunity to VOTE YES on a referendum that will expand our ballot access to all eligible voters in Connecticut. Carol Rizzolo Removing barriers to absentee voting will help the most disenfranchised voters in our towns have more safe, secure, and convenient options to exercise their fundamental right to participate in our democracy. Currently, Connecticut law allows you to receive an absentee ballot if, in your judgment: An absence from your town on Election Day prevents you from appearing at your polling place, You are prevented from appearing at your assigned polling place on Election Day because of sickness or physical disability (not necessarily your sickness or disability), Active service in the military Religious tenets forbid secular activity on the day of the election Duties as an election official at a polling place other than your own during all of the hours of voting. Voting YES on the referendum will enfranchise our neighbors who may find voting inaccessible due to: Working multiple jobs Juggling family obligations Having unreliable transportation Non physical disabilities and more. VOTE YES on this referendum question:“Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to permit the GeneralAssembly to allow each voter to vote by absentee ballot?” I encourage all eligible voters in Connecticut to VOTE YES on expanding absentee ballot access to all eligible voters! It’s time to do away with these arbitrary restrictions. Carol Rizzolo of Guilford is a member of the Safe Vote CT Coalition.