Connecticut Officials Charged in Absentee Ballot Tampering Case
Five individuals, including prominent Democratic operatives, face allegations of election fraud tied to Bridgeport's 2023 mayoral race.
- Five people, including Bridgeport Democratic officials Wanda Geter-Pataky, Alfredo Castillo, Maria Pereira, and Jazmarie Melendez, were arrested on charges of absentee ballot tampering in the 2023 local election.
- The allegations involve illegal possession of absentee ballots, influencing voters' choices, and violating rules for handling ballots and applications.
- Surveillance footage from the 2023 Democratic mayoral primary showed individuals, including Geter-Pataky, allegedly stuffing multiple absentee ballots into drop boxes, which led to a court-ordered election rerun.
- This case has fueled broader concerns about election security, with right-wing groups citing it as evidence of systemic issues with absentee ballots and drop boxes.
- The defendants, who deny the charges, are scheduled to appear in court on March 6, with some claiming political retribution as the motive behind the accusations.