BigTent welcomed Connecticut’s Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas and Barbara Smith Warner, Executive Director of Vote at Home (VAH). Voting turnout often reflects how accessible voting is for eligible voters. 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 why accessible voting is crucial, and explored ways to support this important reform in Connecticut and beyond.
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 of the 143rd District (Norwalk, Wilton, Westport), 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, marking Connecticut’s first voting machine upgrade since 2006. During her term, Secretary Thomas will also institute the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of Connecticut and automatic voter registration at several Connecticut agencies.
A former small business owner, Secretary Thomas has worked to pass business-friendly legislation, and she has created a monthly e-newsletter that aggregates funding and training resources in one place to save business owners’ time.
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.