Connecticut Democrats Pass Law for ID to Recycle Cans, But No for Election Voter ID

Connecticut Democratic leaders introduced an emergency bill, SB 299. They passed it through both chambers. Their Democratic governor signed it.

The bill requires anyone who cashes in over 1,000 cans or bottles in a day to present a copy. They must show their driver’s license.

The reason: out-of-state residents were crossing into Connecticut to take advantage of its higher 10-cent bottle return rate. This rate was more favorable compared to 5 cents elsewhere. This cost the state significant revenue.

Connecticut does not require its residents to present any form of identification to vote. Voters simply attest under penalty of law that they are a United States citizen.

While election fraud continues, the state cares more about their loss of funds on aluminum cans. The fix is obvious: require ID. Emergency bill. Done.

Both of Connecticut’s Democratic senators voted against advancing the SAVE Act. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy opposed this measure. The SAVE Act would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.

So to summarize the Connecticut Democratic position:

Fraud involving 10-cent can deposits crossing state lines? Emergency legislation. Driver’s license required. No debate.

Fraud involving non-citizens potentially voting in federal elections? Impossible. Racist. A voter purge bill. Absolutely not.

Anna Pingel of the America First Policy Institute put it cleanly: “What is more important to safeguard — bottles or ballots?”

Senator Blumenthal’s defense is that the SAVE Act requires documents 21 million Americans don’t have. That is the same argument applied to can recycling. Some people don’t have driver’s licenses. Connecticut didn’t find it persuasive when their nickel deposits were at stake.

The principle that ID requirements are discriminatory and burdensome evaporates the moment Democrats have a financial interest in preventing fraud. It returns the moment Republicans want to apply the same logic to elections.