Voter Intimidation Complaints Made In Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport residents have received "letters, emails and other correspondence containing threatening messages and highlighting potential consequences if they continue to vote via absentee ballot," according to a statement from Mayor Joe Ganim. The alleged voter intimidation has come following the Democratic primary on Sept. 10.

Ganim said in a statement: “As a result, there are many seniors that have expressed great concern about casting their absentee ballots in the upcoming election for fear that someone may try to accuse them of doing something wrong or because it may make them a target in future complaints or court actions. I am concerned that this is having a serious chilling effect on legitimate, legal absentee voting in our city.”

Ganim added that the instances have also raised concern with council members Ernest Newton and Eneida Martinez who have lodged a complaint with the State Elections Enforcement Commission regarding this issue.

Ganim sent a letter last week to Registrar of Voters Santa Ayala calling for the remedy of supervised balloting in many senior and low income housing areas of the city.