Himes Statement on Final Bridgeport Vote Totals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, November 05, 2010

Contact: Liz Kerr, 203-275-9715

Himes Statement on Final Bridgeport Vote Totals

BRIDGEPORT, CT—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) released the following statement regarding the final Bridgeport vote tally.

“Turnout throughout much of the Fourth District this election was better than expected, and I'm invigorated by the fact that so many people--from New Canaan to Bridgeport to Norwalk--participated in our democracy. However, the debacle many voters experienced in Bridgeport on Election Day was completely unacceptable. Every voter, no matter where they live, should be treated with the same respect and provided the same right to vote.

“Now that the Bridgeport vote is finalized, we must turn our attention to ensuring no voter, in Bridgeport or elsewhere, is ever turned away again. On Election Day in Bridgeport, the system failed. We must put policies in place that assure voters maintain their constitutionally-given right to vote. This includes not only ensuring ballots are available to everyone who chooses to vote but also ensuring officials are properly trained, voting facilities have appropriate resources, and voters can cast their ballot in a timely fashion.

“In addition, it is important that the elements of the system that failed be held accountable and that major efforts be made to persuade Bridgeport citizens that their vote is important and their voices will be heard.”

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