Connecticut Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas (D) is asking the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) to investigate allegations of ballot stuffing and voter fraud in the city of Bridgeport’s mayoral election. If the commission concludes that fraud did sway the results, this will be the second time such a determination has been made in less than a year.
The September Democrat primary results were tossed out by a state judge after a preponderance of evidence indicated allies of incumbent Democrat Mayor Joe Ganim engaged in vote-box stuffing and illegal ballot-harvesting practices. The initial results on election night showed Ganim’s primary challenger, John Gomes, ahead by several hundred votes. However, the next day, the results reversed, with Ganim taking the lead.
After reviewing the evidence of election fraud, the judge ordered the results vacated and scheduled a new primary election and general election for January and February, respectively. Ganim once again won the primary and general election while dogged by allegations of having committed election fraud.
According to the Secretary of State, after the new February general election, “eight voters out of 63… indicated during spot check calls that they received absentee ballots despite not requesting them.” Another voter reported “that someone came to his house to help him, had him sign some paperwork, and then took his ballot away.” Thomas additionally says there is evidence voters were offered cash payments in exchange for their absentee ballots.
The allegations have been significant enough to prompt legislative action. The Connecticut House Government Administration and Elections Committee has introduced a bill to bolster the surveillance of absentee ballot collection and limit ballot accessibility to ensure a more effective and fair election process.
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