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Sen. Matt Lesser pushes certification for all moderators to close a statutory loophole
Summary
Senator Matt Lesser urged lawmakers to require certification for all election moderators, including head moderators, to ensure training and to close a loophole that excludes noncertified moderators from criminal‑conviction restrictions that apply to certified moderators.
Senator Matt Lesser testified in favor of Senate Bill 1163, a short bill clarifying that all moderators, including head moderators, should hold certification.
Lesser said the current statutory framework allows noncertified moderators to serve even though certified moderators are disqualified if they have been convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude (fraud, embezzlement and similar offenses). He said that differential treatment creates a loophole and that requiring certification for all moderators will strengthen election integrity by ensuring consistent training and background standards across municipal election operations.
The senator said the Office of the Secretary of the State and other stakeholders support the change and that clarifying the statute will make administrative enforcement and training more straightforward.
Ending: Lesser asked the committee to advance the bill to eliminate the statutory gap and standardize moderator training and certification requirements across Connecticut.
