Bridgeport councilman claims innocence in absentee ballot fraud scandal, saying he followed Democratic Party orders.
At a Glance
- Councilman Alfredo Castillo and other Bridgeport officials arrested for alleged absentee ballot fraud
- Castillo claims he was following Democratic Party instructions to “get out the vote”
- Arrests linked to 2023 mayoral primary between Joseph P. Ganim and John Gomes
- Superior Court overturned September 2023 election results
- Defendants released, due back in court March 6, 2025
Bridgeport Officials Arrested in Ballot Fraud Investigation
In a shocking turn of events, Bridgeport Councilman Alfredo Castillo and several other local officials have been arrested in connection with alleged absentee ballot fraud during the 2023 mayoral primary election in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The arrests have sent ripples through the local political landscape, raising serious questions about the integrity of the Democratic Party’s election strategies.
Castillo, who represents the 136th District, was not alone in facing charges. Democratic Party vice chair Wanda Geter-Pataky and councilwomen Maria Pereira and Jazmarie Melendez were also arrested. Pereira faces additional charges of forgery and disorderly conduct, while Melendez and campaign worker Margaret Joyce are accused of misrepresenting absentee ballot eligibility.
Castillo maintains his innocence, having asserted that he was merely following orders from the Democratic Party to increase voter turnout. His statements shed light on what he claims are common practices within the party’s election efforts.
“I’m innocent. I’m following the orders of the Democratic Party. This is what they tell us to do … to get out the vote. Then we get criminalized,” Councilman Alfredo Castillo said.
Castillo’s defense raises troubling questions about the extent to which local officials are involved in party-driven voter engagement strategies and where the line is drawn between legitimate outreach and potential fraud.
The charges are linked to a contentious primary election where incumbent Mayor Joseph P. Ganim emerged victorious against challenger John Gomes. Following the election, Gomes filed a lawsuit alleging absentee ballot fraud, leading to a Superior Court decision that overturned the September 2023 election results.
Despite the arrests and ongoing investigation, authorities do not expect these developments to alter the outcome of the 2023 mayoral election. All defendants have been released and are scheduled to return to court on March 6, 2025, for further proceedings.
But…but…the Democrats told us our elections are safe!
