Absentee ballots are now available in advance of the August 11 Democratic primaries for governor and judge of probate.
Two-term incumbent Governor Ned Lamont faces a challenge for State Rep. Josh Elliott who qualified for $3.75 million from Connecticut’s Citizens Election Program of publicly funded races. Still, Elliott will be outspent heavily from the self-financing governor.
Long-serving Judge of Probate Paul Ganim is challenged by attorney Mark Bradley. Last week the State Elections Enforcement Commission unanimously voted to refer to the office of Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney a recommendation it launch a criminal probe of Bradley for voting unlawfully in multiple elections in two states, including casting ballots on the same day in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
In addition investigators have been examining for voter fraud Bradley’s petition sheets to qualify for the ballot including numerous forgeries. OIB has heard from many registered voters who say their signatures were forged on Bradley’s petition sheets. This could lead to another complaint filed with the state.
On the absentee ballot front, the Bradley campaign is making that a top priority utilizing City Council members Maria Pereira and Alfredo Castillo to lead the charge. Dennis Bradley, Mark’s brother, is also hustling absentees, according to the application sign out sheet at the Town Clerk’s Office. Last Friday was the first day of Dennis Bradley’s suspended law license, ordered by a state judge, following his March federal conviction on six counts of election fraud. He awaits sentencing.
Pereira and Castillo are also challenging multiple criminal counts of election fraud brought by the state, most notably from the 2023 election cycle.
Early in-person voting will take place from August 3-9 at the Margaret Morton Government Center, 999 Broad Street, Downtown.
