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Second federal judge orders temporary reinstatement of thousands of probationary employees fired by the Trump administration; U.S., Canada political tension could affect Maine summer tourism; Report: Incarceration rates rise in MS, U.S. despite efforts at reform; MI study: HBCU students show better mental health, despite challenges.

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Trump administration faces legal battles on birthright citizenship; the arrest of a Palestinian activist sparks protests over free speech. Conservationists voice concerns about federal job cuts impacting public lands, and Ohio invests in child wellness initiatives.

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Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

CT coalition supports ‘Right to Vote’ legislation

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Friday, February 28, 2025   

Community groups are coming together to expand voting rights to all Connecticut residents.

The Connecticut Right to Vote Campaign says it aims to ensure all lawful permanent residents would be able to vote, as well as encourage them to turn out for local, state and federal elections.

The campaign's centerpiece is HJ 26, a bill that would allow lawful permanent residents to vote.

Helen Quinonez, a community organizer with Make the Road Connecticut, said the campaign and bill have widespread support.

"We don't have only the support from the community who are not able to vote now; we have the support from the community who actually can vote," she said. "But we need to increase the vote participation in Connecticut, because a lot of people don't go to vote in local, municipal elections."

Despite support for the campaign and the bill, Quinonez acknowledged it may take five years to accomplish their goals, given the current political climate. As President Donald Trump continues to support mass deportations, groups working for immigrants' rights want Connecticut lawmakers to bolster state immigration laws to better protect residents.

A crux of the campaign will center on using voting rights in local and municipal elections. State data show declines in voter turnout across local and federal elections.

Ariana Fernandez, a community organizer with United Parents and Students, said educating people about voting will be a big part of their efforts - helping them understand the importance in their own lives of being able to vote.

"The biggest way to have a voice in their child's education is through a vote and deciding who represents whatever education matters that affect their children," she said. "So, as an example, the Board of Education - and we know during these local elections, there's a lot of parents who are left out of that voting process."

She pointed out if people who live and work in the state can't vote, it's a form of taxation without representation. It's estimated that immigrants in Connecticut contribute more than $406 million a year in taxes to the state's economy.


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