Five Bridgeport Democrats Charged with Ballot Tampering

Five individuals, including three Bridgeport City Council members and the vice chair of the city’s Democratic Party, appeared in court facing numerous charges related to absentee ballot tampering during the 2023 mayoral primary. Wanda Geter-Pataky, central to the allegations, was captured on surveillance video depositing multiple absentee ballots into drop boxes. The defendants, who collectively face over 150 charges, claim the accusations are politically motivated, asserting they were merely trying to increase voter turnout. The court proceedings follow a judge's decision to overturn the election results due to the alleged misconduct, leading to calls for new elections. The case has raised significant concerns about election integrity and has drawn national attention, fueling skepticism about U.S. election security. Their next court appearance is scheduled for March 21, where further legal proceedings are expected.