On Wednesday a Superior Court judge ruled that Hartford does not have the authority to remove its registrars, following last Election Day’s debacle of unprepared polling places and long lines that kept polls open after 8. Here’s her statement:
“Yesterday’s Superior Court decision underscores the need for more accountability in Connecticut’s election system. My office is focusing on a legislative initiative that will finally address that issue—not just for those cities and towns whose problems are covered in the news, like Hartford, Bridgeport or Fairfield—but for all of Connecticut. The comprehensive reform bill approved by the Government Administration and Elections (GAE) Committee last month, reflecting an agreement between my office and the registrars, includes a removal provision. Yesterday’s decision confirms that removal is an important and necessary provision in that bill which I hope both chambers of the General Assembly will be taking up in the weeks ahead. I will watch to see what the City of Hartford decides to do in light of yesterday’s decision.”