Connecticut Local Politics

During his case claiming fraud in the September, 2007 Bridgeport mayoral primary, Rep. Chris Caruso claimed there were more ballots cast than people who voted.

Guess what? The Connecticut Post looked into the matter… and Caruso was right.

In the midst of a heated court battle over last fall’s Democratic mayoral primary, state Rep. Christopher Caruso’s legal team asserted there were more votes than voters.

City officials and their lawyers scoffed at Caruso’s contention, calling it untrue and irresponsible.

However, a Connecticut Post examination of election records from the Sept. 11, 2007, primary shows there were more votes than voters — 105 more.

Not enough to change the outcome — state Sen. Bill Finch defeated Caruso by 270 votes — but enough to raise some electoral eyebrows.

How was it done? A little at a time, apparently.

At Park City Magnet School 249 people checked into vote and 280 ballots were run through the machine — 31 more than the number of voters. Park City is in the heart of Caruso’s legislative district and is considered one of his strongest districts.

At Roosevelt School, 309 voters checked in to vote and 329 ballots were passed through the machine. (Cummings)

A lot of credit goes to the Post for actually investigating this. While the number wouldn’t have swung the election–quite–it should raise a bright red flag. Was there actual fraud here, or is this innocent? Bridgeport officials are coming up with all kinds of excuses, like poll worker error and spoiled ballots, and there may be some discrepancies in each election, but a spokesman for the Secretary of the State’s office did concede that this many votes unaccounted for is unusual and not “easily attributed to simple mistakes.”

Finch continues to express his confidence that the election was fair.

Is this vindication for Caruso? Well, no, not quite. His other claims didn’t really hold up, and he didn’t include this one in his original list of complaints. However, this does drag the disputed primary back front and center, and it’s something tangible instead of just an accusation.

Investigations by the SEEC are ongoing.

Source
Cummings, Bill. “Probe: Voting numbers don’t add up.” Connecticut Post 15 June, 2008.