HARTFORD, Conn. – In response to a series of election fraud allegations in Bridgeport’s mayoral race, Connecticut Republicans have recently proposed legislation that would impose a minimum one-year prison sentence for individuals who violate state election laws. The bill, which has garnered support from State Sen. Rob Sampson and several State Representatives, targets those who intentionally attempt to manipulate votes, ballots, and petitions, as well as election officials who neglect their duties and individuals who unlawfully fill out or submit absentee ballots.
Currently, willful violations of election laws in Connecticut are considered class D felonies, punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $5,000, or both. However, according to State Rep. Jason Perillo, individuals found guilty of election law violations rarely face prison sentences. This argument was highlighted during a recent Government Administration and Elections Committee public hearing, where Perillo referenced the case of Bridgeport’s Democratic Town Committee Chair Wanda Geter-Pataky, who was caught on security footage appearing to stuff ballots into a city drop box prior to the primary election.
Under the proposed bill, individuals convicted of a class D felony would generally receive a minimum one-year prison sentence that cannot be suspended or reduced. The bill has received support from the entire House Republican Caucus, State Elections Enforcement Commission Executive Director Michael Brandi, and the Connecticut Republican Assembly, a 600-member political organization. Supporters argue that the bill is crucial in combating ongoing election fraud, asserting that current laws are ineffective.
Despite this support, some individuals, including Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, state Sen. Marilyn Moore, and former Bridgeport mayoral candidate John Gomes, either oppose or hesitate to back the bill. Thomas, while advocating for stronger measures to deter election fraud, expressed concerns about the potential consequences for election workers, insufficient public awareness of state election laws, and the overall impact of the bill. Additionally, Thomas pointed out the difficulty of proving intentional fraud when there is a lack of awareness about what constitutes an election law violation among the public.
The current prosecution process for election law violations has also faced criticism. Gomes, who previously sued local and state election officials over alleged absentee ballot misuse, stated that campaign workers will continue to violate election laws as long as the state fails to bring charges. Similarly, Moore emphasized the importance of swift and regular prosecution of these crimes but stopped short of endorsing the Republican bill, instead referencing other election reform proposals being considered this legislative session.
As the bill awaits further consideration, alternative proposals for election reform have also emerged. These include the establishment of a Municipal Accountability Board to oversee elections and reforms regarding issues like municipal video surveillance, absentee ballot receipts, election data confidentiality, and party designations. Despite the mixed reactions to the proposed legislation, supporters remain steadfast in their belief that significant penalties are necessary to deter election fraud and protect the integrity of the democratic process.
Mayor Joe Ganim and Bridgeport’s Democratic state representatives did not respond to requests for comment on the bill, while a spokesperson for State Sen. Herron Gaston stated that Gaston has yet to review the proposal. As the discussion around election laws continues in Connecticut, the debate centers on finding the right balance between deterring election fraud and ensuring that inadvertent or accidental violations do not incur undue penalties.