4 campaign workers charged after allegedly misusing absentee ballots in 2019 Bridgeport Democratic primary
Four campaign workers from the 2019 Bridgeport Democratic mayoral primary were charged with election-related charges Tuesday in connection to the misuse of absentee ballots.
Below are the following campaign workers and the charges they are facing, according to the Division of Criminal Justice:
- Alfredo Castillo (52): Unlawful possession of absentee ballots, Misrepresenting Eligibility Requirements for Voting by Absentee Ballot, Failure to Maintain an Absentee Ballot Distribution List, Failure to Sign as Assister on an Absentee Ballot
- Wanda Geter-Pataky (67): Unlawful possession of absentee ballots, Tampering With a Witness, Misrepresenting Eligibility Requirements for Voting by Absentee Ballot, Failure to Sign as Assister on an Absentee Ballot
- Nilsa Heredia (61): Unlawful Possession of Absentee Ballots, Tampering With a Witness, Misrepresenting Eligibility Requirements for Voting by Absentee Ballot, Failure to Maintain an Absentee Ballot Distribution List, being present When an Absentee Ballot Applicant Executes an Absentee Ballot
- Josephine Edmonds (62): Unlawful Possession of Absentee Ballots, Tampering With a Witness, Failure to Maintain an Absentee Ballot Distribution List, being present When an Absentee Ballot Applicant Executes an Absentee Ballot
These charges stem from allegations that absentee ballots were mishandled in the September 2019 Democratic primary election for the mayor of Bridgeport.
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Mayor Joe Ganim released the following statement following the arrests:
“Whether its people accused from the Moore campaign or my campaign – any irregularity is unacceptable. We all agree that the integrity of the voting process is vital to our democracy.
Charges that question that integrity are of concern. I always stand for maintaining the rights of the voters and a fair election. These matters pertaining to both 2019 campaigns are now in the courts and will be addressed through the justice system.”
The Connecticut Democratic Chair Nancy DiNardo also released a response to the arrests:
“Connecticut’s state law is very clear about how to handle absentee ballots. As we have said, if people have broken the law, they must face consequences. The Connecticut Democrats respect the findings of the State’s Attorney’s office and the legal process. The four individuals involved will have their day in court.”
All four have been released and are expected to appear in court on June 24.