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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.
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