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House creates task force to study voter participation and allows municipal pilot programs; bill draws heated debate
Summary
HB 7242 establishes a task force to study ways to increase voter participation (including examining compulsory-voting models abroad) and authorizes municipal pilot programs within existing law and appropriations; opponents warned the bill\'s stated aspiration of 100% participation raised concerns about compulsory measures, but the bill passed as amended.
The House voted to create a study task force on voter participation and to authorize municipal pilot programs to promote turnout under existing law (HB 7242). The proposal, introduced by Representative Blumenthal, prompted an extended and at times contentious floor debate over the scope and goals of the task force, including language that references a 100% participation aspirational goal.
Blumenthal said the measure will investigate practices both domestic and international that can increase civic engagement and would allow municipalities —…
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