Voters took part in two statewide ballot initiatives in Connecticut this week.  The controversial Con Con question (whether CT should hold a new Constitutional Convention) got most of the press.  The measure was urged most fervently by anti-gay marriage groups like Family Institute of Connecticut, who would have used the convention to seek a constitutional ban on gay marriage.  By voting this measure down, CT voters affirmed the state Supreme Court’s decision to allow same gender couples to marry in the state, and be afford all the rights and privileges of mixed gender spouses.

The less talked about question on the ballot was whether or not to allow 17 year-olds to vote in primaries if their 18th birthdays arrive by election day.  Voters overwhelmingly voted YES, thus expanding the electorate during the selection process for major candidates, arguably when voters have more choice than in the general election.  With such high turnout among younger voters this year, the change could potentially lead to more civic participation in future elections.