Current:Home > MyFatigue and frustration as final do-over mayoral election looms in Connecticut’s largest city-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Fatigue and frustration as final do-over mayoral election looms in Connecticut’s largest city
View Date:2024-12-24 00:35:30
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) — It’s been nearly four months since a judge tossed out the results of a Democratic mayoral primary in Connecticut’s largest city due to allegations of ballot stuffing, sending voters repeatedly back to the polls and thrusting Bridgeport into an unflattering national spotlight.
Many frustrated local voters say they just want it to be over with.
A do-over general election on Tuesday will mark the fourth time registered Democrats have voted for the city’s next mayor, after the judge voided the initial primary over surveillance footage showing a supporter of incumbent Mayor Joe Ganim putting multiple absentee ballots into a drop box.
For those counting, there have now been two primaries and one general election, which didn’t count.
“It’s very embarrassing,” said Luis DeJesus, 56, a lifelong Bridgeport resident who previously had voted for the main challenger in those races, John Gomes.
DeJesus said he is “really fed up” with the past results in which Ganim appeared to have won and likely won’t vote again on Tuesday.
“I’m really sorry. I can’t do it,” he said. “I can’t do it for only one person.”
Ganim went to prison for corruption during his first stint as mayor and then regained his old job eight years ago in a remarkable political comeback. The mayor has denied knowledge of the alleged ballot box stuffing and called for statewide election reforms.
Gomes, who had worked as Ganim’s acting chief administrative officer, successfully sued to overturn the Sept. 12 primary showng he lost to his former boss by 251 votes out of 8,173 cast. That meant the results of the subsequent November general election didn’t count and another primary was held in January, which again was won by Ganim.
Gomes is now running as an independent for the fourth face-off.
It’s just the latest election controversy in the working-class, Democratic stronghold of more than 148,000 residents. Accusations of absentee ballot manipulation date back to at least 1986, when five Bridgeport Democrats were arrested for collecting and possessing other people’s ballots.
This scandal, though, became a national talking point when the drop-box surveillance videos were first made public. Now the subject of multiple investigations, the videos have fueled skepticism about the security of U.S. elections, as well as conspiracy theories involving the 2020 presidential election, even as election experts contend what happened in Bridgeport is unique to the city and shouldn’t be seen as evidence of widespread problems.
Voter turnout has been relatively steady, albeit low, throughout the prior three elections. But Nick Roussas, owner of Frankie’s Diner, a Bridgeport institution since 1946, said many of his customers are just tired of the ongoing saga.
“There’s election fatigue,” said Roussas, who says he likes both Ganim and Gomes and allows them to campaign in his restaurant.
While he can’t vote because he doesn’t live in Bridgeport, Roussas said he believes the “city is moving in the right direction,” noting the streets are in better condition, efforts are underway to address blight and there has been new economic development.
To date, there have been no charges or arrests over the ballot mishandling allegations that resulted in this protracted mayoral race. That lack of accountability has only worsened voter apathy, cynicism and disenfranchisement among voters, said Callie Gale Heilmann, founder, president and co-director of Bridgeport Generation Now, a local social action network that is supporting Gomes’ candidacy.
After recently sending texts to supporters urging them to vote for a fourth time, the group received responses such as “I’m not voting,” “I voted the other times, and it doesn’t matter” and “Gomes should accept that he lost.”
“There’s the sense that it doesn’t matter,” said Gemeem Davis, the organization’s vice president and co-director. “The people who get up on Election Day and walk to the polls to make their voices heard, they don’t matter. And it’s because the political culture around here, around absentee ballots, has dehumanized folks. ... Because it’s not even about what they want. It’s about how to get their ballot.”
Bridgeport Generation Now is reminding voters that the court determined there was enough evidence to order a new primary and “redo democracy,” Heilmann said.
“And aren’t we so lucky that we can? Because in authoritarian dictatorships, you most certainly cannot,” she said. “The elections are stolen and then that’s it.”
Despite the controversy surrounding his campaign, Ganim, who accused the Gomes campaign of also committing election law violations, has managed to shore up key support for another term in the closing days. Lamond Daniels, a former Democratic rival for mayor, recently endorsed Ganim.
Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont announced he is backing Ganim as well. Last week Lamont, who in 2018 defeated Ganim in a Democratic primary for governor in every community except Bridgeport, publicly endorsed his former rival, citing their “strong working relationship.”
“He’s a good mayor for me to work with. We’re getting a lot done together. I hope he’s given another four years,” Lamont said during a ceremony for a new technical high school in Bridgeport.
Besides Gomes, Ganim faces Republican David Herz in Tuesday’s election.
Brian Carey, 70, a resident of Bridgeport for more than 30 years and an independent, has now voted in two general elections for mayor, since only Democrats can vote in the primaries. Last week, he filled out his absentee ballot at City Hall.
“If you don’t vote, you can’t complain,” said Carey, who declined to say he who voted for.
He has hope Bridgeport elections will change for the better after being in the spotlight.
“You go through phases and you have issues with certain politicians, both local and national,” Carey said. “I’m hoping that after this round, we won’t have any more silliness.”
veryGood! (6)
Related
- The USDA is testing raw milk for the avian flu. Is raw milk safe?
- Federal shutdown could disrupt patient care at safety-net clinics across U.S.
- A new Spanish law strengthens animal rights but exempts bullfights and hunting with dogs
- Iran claims it launched new imaging satellite into orbit
- Steelers' Mike Tomlin shuts down Jayden Daniels Lamar comparison: 'That's Mr. Jackson'
- Summer House's Paige DeSorbo Weighs in on Carl Radke and Lindsay Hubbard's Shocking Break Up
- A new Spanish law strengthens animal rights but exempts bullfights and hunting with dogs
- Man arrested in shooting at Lil Baby concert in Memphis
- Nicky Hilton Shares Her Christmas Plans With Paris, the Secret To Perfect Skin & More Holiday Gift Picks
- Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California dies at age 90, sources tell the AP
Ranking
- Eminem, Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crow, N.W.A. and Janet Jackson get Songwriters Hall of Fame nods
- 'The Creator' is based on big ideas — and a lot of spare parts
- Trump drops bid to move Georgia election case to federal court
- San Francisco mayor proposes enforced drug tests, treatment for those receiving government aid
- Avril Lavigne’s Ex Mod Sun Is Dating Love Is Blind Star Brittany Wisniewski, Debuts Romance With a Kiss
- Report: High-risk problem gambling fell slightly in New Jersey even as sports betting took off
- Justin Timberlake needs to be a character actor in movies. Netflix's 'Reptile' proves it.
- Dunkin' announces new bracelet collaboration for National Coffee Day
Recommendation
-
MVSU football player killed, driver injured in crash after police chase
-
Las Vegas stadium proponents counter attempt to repeal public funding for potential MLB ballpark
-
Remembering Stephen tWitch Boss and Allison Holker's Incredible Love Story
-
All the Country Couples Heating Up the 2023 People's Choice Country Awards Red Carpet
-
Wisconsin’s high court to hear oral arguments on whether an 1849 abortion ban remains valid
-
Meet Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner's First Impression Rose Winner
-
After pharmacists walk out, CVS vows to improve working conditions
-
Arrest warrants issued for Baton Rouge police officers in the BRPD Street Crimes Unit