Join BigTent welcomed Connecticut’s Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas and Barbara Smith Warner, Executive Director of Vote at Home (VAH). Currently, only 8 states and Washington, DC, automatically sends ballots to all active voters, allowing them to return the ballots by mail, or in-person, and track their vote with the option to correct any errors.
Connecticut voters are now considering a constitutional amendment to permit no-excuse absentee voting, which would broaden access and make voting simpler for everyone. Our speakers discussed the importance of accessible voting, address ongoing misinformation around absentee voting,and explored how we can support this vital reform in Connecticut and other states still without automatic absentee ballot voting.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Stephanie Thomas was sworn in as Connecticut’s Secretary of the State on January 4, 2023. With a distinguished 30-year career advising and problem-solving for nonprofit organizations, running her own business, and serving as a State Representative, Secretary Thomas brings a unique blend of business expertise and a passion for civics to public service. Since taking office, Secretary Thomas has led the implementation of significant election reforms in the state, including the roll-out of early voting and a new centralized voter registration system. In September 2023, she secured a historic investment of $25 million to replace the state’s aging tabulators.
Barbara Smith Warner serves as the Executive Director of the National Vote at Home Institute, a national non-profit that works to promote and expand the use of mailed-out ballots that allow all voters to safely and securely vote at home (the Oregon way!). Voting at home is foundational democracy that centers every voter in their right to vote and dramatically increases both turnout and participation. Barbara served 9 years (2014-2022) as an Oregon state representative, including almost 3 years as the Majority Leader of the Oregon House. She is a lifetime democracy defender who has worked as a legislative educator and political organizer, and is deeply committed to an open, accessible government that is of, for and by the people.
Read Speakers’ Presentations below:
Vote At Home
Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas
And then Go…
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