John Craven

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Apr 17, 2024, 12:27 PM

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Updated

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Bridgeport’s ballot box scandal is now in the hands of criminal prosecutors.

The State Elections Enforcement Commission on Wednesday morning referred two ballot tampering cases to the chief state's attorney. One involves videos showing a city employee, believed to be Wanda Geter-Pataky, stuffing stacks of paper into an absentee ballot drop box in front of the City Hall Annex.

The other complaint involves “’ballot tampering’ and potential absentee ballot fraud at the Fireside Apartments.” Bridgeport police initially referred both cases to SEEC in September.

DOZENS OF COMPLAINTS

The commission is investigating dozens of allegations related to the race for last fall’s race for Bridgeport mayor.

A judge ordered a new Democratic primary and general election after 20 minutes of “shocking” security camera footage surfaced, showing Geter-Pataky and other supporters of Mayor Joe Ganim stuffing ballot boxes.

Ganim eventually won the election in February. The mayor insists he was unaware of any wrongdoing and alleges that other videos show opponent John Gomes’ supporters doing the same thing.

PREVIOUS CASES

SEEC previously recommended charges for Geter-Pataky related to the 2019 election, but the chief state’s attorney has taken no action. State lawmakers are considering bills that would require the commission to refer cases to prosecutors within 90 days. They would also require security cameras outside every ballot drop box and even allow for a state takeover of local elections.

On Wednesday, top lawmakers said the bills are still being negotiated. The General Assembly adjourns on May 8.

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