BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Bridgeport mayoral candidate John Gomes claims absentee ballot fraud is continuing in the state’s more populous city, despite winning the recent court case that ordered a new primary.
Back in September at the State Capitol, lawmakers approved a $150,000 salary for an election monitor in Bridgeport. But now state officials said they couldn’t find someone to do it, so they appointed a temporary person.
“The best way possible right now to execute a fair election is to show up and vote in person,” remarked John Gomes.
As of November 3, 2,521 absentee ballots have been issued to voters in Bridgeport for the upcoming Nov. 7 general election. That’s about half the number of absentee ballots that were sent to Democrats during the Primary. But it’s still the most of any municipality.
The Gomes team said it indicates organized ballot harvesting is still occurring.
“The district where the absentee ballot harvesting has happened. It continues to happen,” remarked Gomes’ campaign manager Christine Bartlett Josie.
Despite calls from Republicans to address election integrity during a special session, nothing has changed.
“Why? Because the current system works for them and they don’t want to change anything even though it’s shocking to the rest of us,” remarked State Senate Republican leader Kevin Kelly.
So the question becomes, is anybody looking out for voters?
“We had to reach for someone we did know who is a lawyer and who is a registrar who worked for our office for many years who is serving in the interim role,” said Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas.
Peggy Reeves is a former Democratic State Representative. She will be the temporary election watchdog overseeing absentee balloting and ballot pickup. But to the disappointment of Republicans, the state still can’t find someone to fill the job permanently.
“There aren’t that many people who know election law who don’t have a job already, don’t want to be paid benefits and want to be hounded by the news media every day,” said Sec. Thomas.
“It’s just excuse after excuse. Public service is about serving the public. That requires at times dealing with the public and with the media and being involved in topical issues,” rebutted Sen. Kelly.
With an election just three days away, so much remains unclear - chiefly, will Tuesday’s election even count? Also how far does the absentee ballot fraud extend?
“This is a problem here and here alone,” said Gomes Attorney Bill Bloss.
But Sen. Kelly said, “It’s not isolated to Bridgeport.”
Bloss also said that if Gomes wins on Tuesday, he will become mayor and there will not be a new primary. But the Secretary of the State’s Office said on Friday that that issue is up in the air.
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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