Connecticut Republican leaders have requested a federal investigation into the integrity of the state's electoral system, citing alleged election crimes in Bridgeport.
Five people were arrested last week following an investigation into the handling of absentee ballots during the 2023 mayoral election cycle in Bridgeport.
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Inspectors from the Office of the Chief State's Attorney arrested Wanda Geter-Pataky, 68, Alfredo Castillo, 53, Maria Pereira, 57, Jazmarie Melendez, 26, and Margaret Joyce, 45.
Republican leaders in the Connecticut General Assembly wrote to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi formally requesting an investigation into whether election crimes in Bridgeport are part of a larger, coordinated effort to defraud voters statewide, according to officials.
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Castillo, a Democratic city councilman in Bridgeport, was among those arrested and faces multiple election-related charges. Republican lawmakers are urging federal officials to look into whether tactics such as ballot tampering, forgery, coercion and more are being used elsewhere in Connecticut.
“Councilman Castillo’s own words suggest a broader operation at play, involving efforts to benefit high-profile Democratic candidates at the state and federal levels,” House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora said in a statement. “We cannot ignore the possibility that these corrupt practices extend beyond Bridgeport.”
GOP leaders in the state also mention that the legislature hasn't enacted election safeguards in the wake of the Bridgeport investigation.
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Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas said Connecticut has strong election safeguards in place.
"In response to Bridgeport, we proposed, and legislators passed bipartisan reforms, including mandatory drop box cameras, tighter absentee ballot request timelines and new reporting requirements. We continue to push for ongoing election monitoring and voter education funding to empower whistleblowers and have worked with local officials to provide oversight, legal support and voter education.
While we respect the role of federal authorities in investigating election-related matters, it is crucial to avoid undermining voter confidence through speculation or politicization of the process. Our focus remains on protecting the rights of all Connecticut voters and ensuring that every eligible ballot is counted fairly and accurately."
NBC Connecticut has reached out to Democratic leaders for comment but has not yet heard back.
You can read the letter below.
