Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and other Democrats accepted accolades today from Martin Luther King III over what he praised at steps to open ballot access and strengthen voting rights, swimming against a tide in 32 other states.
King, the son of the slain civil rights leader, complimented Malloy and Democrats for a host of progressive steps, including the abolition of the death penalty for future crimes and the adoption of an earned income tax credit for the working poor.
“Connecticut is doing some great things,” King said. “There are a lot of good things happening here. In fact, I wish I could take some of you guys back to Atlanta and help us out.”
King said Connecticut was pretty much alone in trying to open ballot access with proposals such as election-day registration and an effort to change the constitution to allow a more flexible use of absentee ballots.
Malloy, Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, D-1st District, and several state legislators joined King at a brief press conference and photo opportunity outside the governor’s office.
Martin Luther King III