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.