HARTFORD, Conn. — On Friday, Connecticut's Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas released information regarding new referrals her office made to the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC). The referrals are related to last month's general election for mayor of Bridgeport, a "re-do" necessitated by video evidence of improperly handled absentee ballots. Incumbent mayor Joe Ganim defeated challenger John Gomes, a fellow Democrat, and Republican David Herz.
According to a release from Thomas' office, the complaints included:
- Reports from voters who received absentee ballots despite not requesting them;
- A voter reported an individual arrived at his home to help him with his ballot, had him sign unknown paperwork, and took his ballot;
- A report of a campaign offering cash in return for completed absentee ballots;
- Suspicious activity at drop boxes discovered during review of footage from surveillance cameras.
While the Secretary of the State's office administers elections, complaints of wrong-doing are investigated by SEEC.
“When alerted, the Secretary of the State’s Office is required to send allegations of election malfeasance to SEEC for their review and decision to investigate if any laws were broken,” Thomas said in the release. “Referrals are not proof of wrongdoing, but an important step to ensure that our elections are secure.”
Secretary Thomas continued: "Our office is committed to doing what we can to ensure that not just Bridgeport's citizens trust the elections process, but all of Connecticut does. Two bills have been introduced in the General Assembly, which include our proposals to close loopholes observed by our election monitors.”
One election security bill, HB 5498, includes would require the video surveillance of absentee ballot drop boxes and retention of the footage. Video of a Ganim supporter and city employee depositing multiple ballots at a dropbox caused the results of the Democratic mayoral primary to be thrown out. HB 5498 would also implement modifications for how absentee ballot data is recorded and reported, limit who may apply for replacement absentee ballots, and reduce the window of availability of absentee ballot applications.
Secretary Thomas has also recommended the formation of a board (see SB 441) to view and mitigate election administration issues that currently fall within the gap between the jurisdiction of the Office of the Secretary of the State and SEEC. The 17-member board would be granted the authority to mandate training, the implementation of best practices, and monitor an election when necessary.
“My office’s efforts did not end on February 27, the final Election Day in Bridgeport,” Thomas said. “We continue our advocacy for election security and know that the legislature is equally committed to passing legislation that protects the integrity of Connecticut’s electoral process.”
Secretary Thomas said she will offer testimony on the bills at the Government Administration and Elections Committee’s public hearing on Monday, March 18.
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