State lawmakers are moving closer toward changing Connecticut's constitution to allow people to cast their ballots before Election Day.  The House voted 78-70 in favor of the proposed constitutional amendment. It now awaits action in the Senate.

The bill needed 114 votes Tuesday for the question to automatically appear on the 2019 ballot.  Voters will be asked in 2020 to approve such a change if both chambers pass the bill again next year by a simple majority

New Milford Representative Bill Buckbee voiced concern that it could be confusing and lead to voting mistakes.  Some lawmakers said that added voting days would put financial strain on towns. 

While the bill allows the General Assembly to determine the details of early voting, it provides an overall framework, such as limits on when the voting can occur.

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill says Connecticut will join the majority of other states if it ultimately allows early voting.