News release from State Senate candidate Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox:
Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, candidate for the 22nd State Senate District, today called for strong oversight during the primary election this August for the 22nd State Senate race. This call comes in response to recent allegations of election fraud and irregularities in Bridgeport, underscoring the urgent need for transparency and integrity in the electoral process.
“The cornerstone of American democracy is free and fair elections. Fair is fair. People deserve to know that they are being fairly represented, that the person they elect has been fairly elected,” said Gadkar-Wilcox. “I condemn absentee ballot fraud and abuse, and I ask my fellow candidates to stand with me and reject it. People deserve someone who has been elected fairly.”
The necessity for state oversight has become clear in light of the breaking news that four individuals have been charged with unlawfully possessing another person’s absentee ballot related to the 2019 mayoral primary. Additionally, the 2023 Bridgeport election has been plagued with reports of election fraud and irregularities, resulting in re-votes for both the Democratic Party primary and the general election earlier this year.
“As a constitutional law professor and a member of the Trumbull Ethics Commission, I understand the vital importance of running fair and legal elections,” stated Gadkar-Wilcox. “Our democracy depends on the public’s trust in the electoral process, and we must take every measure to ensure that trust is upheld. Inviting empowered state election monitors to the 22nd Senate District will provide an impartial assessment and help safeguard the integrity of our elections.”
Gadkar-Wilcox emphasized her qualifications, “I am best qualified to speak up on these issues, and to work with the legislature to pass legislation that will end this kind of abuse. I am a scholar and practitioner of democracy. I’m a professor of constitutional law. I believe in transparent good government and policies that ensure people can trust their elected representatives and the system.”
Throughout her career, Gadkar-Wilcox has underscored the importance of ethics, political engagement, and civility. Over the last several decades, she has engaged with her fellow citizens, listening to their diverse viewpoints, and fostering discussions about the importance of maintaining ethical standards in politics.
“We need to stand together to make this system better. To make people believe that the system is fair. To encourage people to engage in democracy and to excite people to come out to vote,” Gadkar-Wilcox continued. “I am glad the state has already put into place an election monitor, but that monitor has to have enough enforcement and investigative power to make that role meaningful. We need to ensure that every vote is counted and every vote is fairly counted. The time to do this is now.”
Gadkar-Wilcox also called for stronger penalties for illegal absentee ballot handling: “We must increase the penalties for illegal absentee ballot handling in order to deter misconduct and protect the integrity of our elections. This is essential for maintaining public confidence in the democratic process.”
The Gadkar-Wilcox campaign urges all stakeholders, including other candidates and political parties, to join with her and work together to ensure a fair and transparent primary election in August.
Totally.