CT spends $55K on Bridgeport voter education blitz after absentee ballot scandals
BRIDGEPORT — Hoping to help scandal-plagued Bridgeport avoid more instances of election fraud, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas' office has launched a special advertising blitz reminding city residents how to properly cast their ballots.
"Your vote in November really matters," Thomas says in one brief radio advertisement. "So if you're voting by absentee ballot, it's your responsibility to return it correctly and legally."
As of this past July, 13 individuals in total have been charged in connection with the misuse of absentee or mail-in ballots in either the 2019 or 2023 Democratic mayoral primaries. That group of mostly low-level political operatives does include a handful of high-profile local officials: City Council members Alfredo Castillo and Maria Pereira, both up for reelection next month; ex-Council member Jazmarie Melendez, who resigned from her seat in April; and Wanda Geter-Pataky, who was reelected vice-chair of the Democratic Town Committee last March.
Roger Senserrich, a spokesperson for Thomas' office, said the month-long education campaign includes mailers to past voters, flyers and advertising "across all platforms — radio, newspaper, streaming services, buses and digital" in English and Spanish. It is being done solely in Bridgeport. Audiences/recipients are encouraged to visit MyVote.CT.gov for detailed information and to phone the Connecticut Elections Enforcement Commission at 1-866-733-2463 about anything improper they may witness.
"If you see something that seems wrong, use your voice. Report it," encourages one mailer that includes an illustrated likeness of
Thomas with a word balloon of dialogue that reads, "Know how to vote accurately & legally!"
https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/bridgeport-ct-election-fraud-absentee-ballots-21102151.php