By and large, Connecticut is a pretty progressive state, socially speaking. They are some sharp, thoughtful, and compassionate people at work here, and I have a suggestion for what two of their political targets should be: approving early voting and legalizing recreational marijuana.

More than two-thirds of the states have endorsed some form of early voting, a process that can make it easier for more people to cast ballots in major elections. And isn’t that our goal, ultimately? A fully informed electorate able to vote easily and quickly? (Ok, maybe I’m a tad optimistic about that informed electorate bit.)

But to cram all voting into one day — and yes, I know about absentee ballots, and that some people get them to avoid long lines at the polls — is ridiculous and diminishing of the voting process. Registrars don’t like it a lot, mostly because it means more work for them (who are paid by the taxpayers to do their jobs). that’s not a reason, that’s an excuse. Voting ought to be open at least two weeks prior to the election, which affords everyone time to sort out the issues and candidates.

It simply good sense and the right thing to do. A majority of voters who voiced opinions about this several years ago in Connecticut disapproved; I’m pretty sure that if it were put to a vote again, the results would be different. This is a matter the legislature can take care of, and should. Let’s get on with it; in this area, at least, Connecticut has fallen behind Georgia and a host of other states it shouldn’t.

As for marijuana, well, this one seems obvious. Massachusetts has joined a growing list of states which have approved marijuana for recreational use. so has Maine, and other New England states are almost certain to follow suit over the next decade. So let’s not wait.

Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy says he’s willing to re-examine the issue now that our neighbor to the north has endorsed it. And well he should, because if you don;t think a heck of a lot of Nutmeggers are going to slip across the border to buy their weed and bring it home, then perhaps you’ve been smoking too much.

Why give Massachusetts all the revenue? Why force our residents to do something illegal that is perfectly legal for our neighbors? Why not endorse common sense: study the use of recreational marijuana, decide on how to regulate and tax it, and then get on with it. Really.