HARTFORD, Conn. — Recent Bridgeport ballot fraud arrests have put Connecticut squarely back in the national spotlight and Republican state lawmakers are taking that opportunity to call for more election security.
Republicans are calling for the formation of a bipartisan commission to make meaningful election reforms. They said the laws passed in this last session bite around the edges, but don’t address the root cause of fraud and corruption.
“It is truly embarrassing for our state,” remarked State Sen. Stephen Harding, the minority leader.
The Bridgeport ballot fraud arrests occurred five years after the accusations.
“It’s not an embarrassment,” said Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas.
Signed and sworn affidavits include that Wanda Geter “made threats to people” and “pressured” voters, yet the Secretary of State said, “Several of them told us stories like, oh yes, I believe in voting. I requested it. I filled it out and then there’s a nice lady who comes by and drops them off for us. They just saw it as a convenience. So the voter themselves, they were not disenfranchised in any way but the person who picked them up broke the law.”
It’s why Republicans are calling for the formation of a bipartisan election security commission.
“It’s about time we do something about this,” said Harding.
Specifically, Republicans want voter I.D. and signature verification.
“In Connecticut we have no checks and balances whatsoever,” remarked Republican State Rep. Gale Mastrofrancesco.
Republicans also want to drop the drop box. The Secretary of the State disagrees.
“A lot of issues in Connecticut come down to cost,” said Sec. Thomas. “Drop-boxes. When I am out talking to communities, there is still a need.”
Republicans said their amendments and bills have been summarily rejected by Connecticut’s majority party and they think they know why.
“I’m afraid that the majority likes the status quo. I think they actually like the fact that our election system is broken,” remarked State Sen. Rob Sampson.
This past session, Connecticut did make some changes. Video cameras above drop boxes, a time requirement to complete election fraud investigations and restrictions on the mass distribution of absentee applications. But Connecticut has also expanded access to voting via early voting and if approved in November, allowing anyone to vote absentee for any reason.
"I don't know that the two are related, " Thomas said when asked if election safeguards should accompany access.
Republicans said that even in the wake of alleged ballot fraud caught on camera, they were disappointed to see state leaders rushing to stand with Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim as opposed to standing on the side of voters.
Matt Caron is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at mcaron@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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