Election law is a broad category of state and federal laws—statutes, constitutions, and case law (court opinions)—and includes issues related to voter eligibility; voting methods and processes; vote tabulations and recounts; and the financing and expenditures of state and federal political campaigns.
In Connecticut, election law is governed by a combination of state statutes, the state constitution, federal laws, and case law. Voter eligibility in Connecticut generally requires individuals to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and residents of the state. The state offers various voting methods, including in-person voting on Election Day, absentee balloting, and early voting under certain conditions. Vote tabulation and the potential for recounts are strictly regulated to ensure accuracy and fairness in elections. Connecticut also has specific laws regarding the financing and expenditures of political campaigns, which include contribution limits and disclosure requirements for campaign financing. These laws are designed to promote transparency and prevent corruption in the political process. Additionally, federal laws such as the Voting Rights Act and the Federal Election Campaign Act also apply to Connecticut, setting standards for fair voting practices and campaign finance.