12/29/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/29/2023 16:23
12/29/2023
(Hartford, CT) - Today, which marks the first day that absentee ballot ("AB") applications became available for the January 23, 2024, mayoral primary in Bridgeport, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas released that 3,620 absentee ballot applications were signed out of the Bridgeport Town Clerk office as of 10:30 a.m., according to the election monitors embedded in that office. By 3:30 p.m., 4,690 AB applications had been requested.
"With a shortened campaign window for this election, it is more important than ever that those involved in the absentee ballot process understand the requirements," said Secretary Thomas. "The election monitors are working with the Bridgeport Town Clerk's office on educating everyone who signs out applications on their responsibilities."
Due to the large number of requests, the Office of the Secretary of the State contacted the campaigns of both Democratic primary candidates to provide reminders on the process, and Secretary Thomas issued these AB application process instructions to ALL Bridgeport residents:
Earlier this week,to help educate the public, the Office of the Secretary of the State released videos conducted by Secretary Thomas, former Registrar Peggy Reeves, and President of the Connecticut Town Clerks Association (CTCA) Patty Spruance, explaining all absentee ballot laws in English and Spanish. The videos are posted below, available online (click here for English and click here for Spanish) and will be posted to the Office's website and social media.
Absentee Ballot Voting Explained (click image to view video):
(English)
Voto en Ausencia, Explicado en Español
(Español)
The Office also issued an update to the community on current efforts elections officials are undertaking in Bridgeport to secure the election. More details are available at: Secretary Thomas Updates Community on Efforts Being Taken to Secure Bridgeport s New Mayoral Primary (ct.gov).
For information about the process for Bridgeport's new Democratic Mayoral Primary please see the full election calendar here: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SOTS/ElectionServices/Calendars/2024-Election/BPTspecialelectioncalendar_Dec-2023.pdf.
As a reminder to the public, individuals may report any suspected election malfeasance directly to the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) by calling 860-256-2940 or completing and delivering a complaint form linked here.###
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