In a surprising turn of events, a Connecticut judge has nullified the results of a Democratic mayoral primary election in Bridgeport, the state's most populous city.
The decision follows the emergence of video footage showing individuals depositing multiple absentee ballots into outdoor collection boxes. The judge has subsequently mandated a fresh election.
Superior Court Judge William Clark delivered the ruling on Wednesday, a mere six days before the general election. This has resulted in an unusual situation where voters will participate in the mayoral election on November 7, only to return to the polls at a later, yet-to-be-decided date to select the legitimate Democratic nominee in the same race.
Judge Clark clarified in his ruling that he did not possess the authority to delay or cancel the general election. However, he expressed that the evidence of wrongdoing was substantial enough to warrant a rerun of the September 12 Democratic primary election. In this contested election, incumbent Mayor Joe Ganim triumphed over challenger John Gomes by a margin of 251 votes out of a total of 8,173.
"The magnitude of mishandled ballots is such that it casts serious doubt on the outcome of the primary election and leaves the court unable to ascertain the legitimate result of the primary," Judge Clark declared in his ruling.
The judge pointed to data indicating unusually high numbers of absentee ballots in certain voting districts and video evidence of individuals stuffing piles of ballots into drop boxes, contravening state law.
"The videos are shocking to the court and should be shocking to all the parties," the judge penned in his ruling.
Judge Clark has given the lawyers involved in the case a ten-day window to consult with city and state election officials to determine a suitable date for the new primary. It remains uncertain whether city officials will challenge his decision in the interim.
Despite the judge's ruling, the general election will proceed as scheduled on Tuesday. Ganim will be listed as the Democratic nominee. Gomes, the city's former chief administrative officer, will also be on the ballot as an independent candidate. Lamond Daniels and Republican David Herz are also vying for the mayoral position.
"This is a victory for the people of Bridgeport," Gomes stated in response to Judge Clark's decision, as reported by The Associated Press. "Our campaign has always maintained that the integrity of our democratic process must be upheld, and Superior Court Judge William Clark concurred."
Ganim, who was previously convicted of corruption during his initial term as mayor but regained his position in an election following his release from prison, has consistently denied any knowledge of ballot-related misconduct. He has also accused Gomes' campaign workers of violating voting regulations.
William Bloss, a lawyer representing Gomes, suggested that the judges ruling on Wednesday created a situation where a primary would only be necessary if Ganim wins the general election. He argued that a victory for Gomes would render the primary irrelevant.
The State Elections Enforcement Commission is currently probing the allegations of ballot-stuffing, along with other potential irregularities.
City officials' lawyers contended in a joint legal brief that the security camera footage does not conclusively demonstrate any illegal activity. They argued that "not one voter" testified about their ballot being mishandled.
During last month's testimony before the judge, surveillance video showed an individual stuffing piles of papers into a ballot drop box. Gomes alleges that the person is Wanda Geter-Pataky, a Ganim supporter and vice chair of the Bridgeport Democratic Town Committee. In court, Geter-Pataky invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and declined to answer questions. A former City Council member and current candidate also refused to answer questions about her appearance in other videos.
For some state Republicans, the Bridgeport ballot case further underscores the need for certain election reforms.
"These videos confirm our fears about how absentee ballots can be misused. Now the court has spoken," state Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly stated, according to The Associated Press. "What we need now is trust, faith, and confidence in our electoral system."
Under Connecticut law, voters using a collection box must personally drop off their completed ballots, or designate certain family members, police, local election officials, or a caregiver to do it for them.
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