Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, who won a second term Tuesday, issued a statement today on the election day problems at polling places in Bridgeport.
Hime said the system failed. "[T]he debacle many voters experienced in Bridgeport on Election Day was completely unacceptable,'' he said. "Every voter, no matter where they live, should be treated with the same respect and provided the same right to vote.
He called for a series of reforms so that "no voter, in Bridgeport or elsewhere, is ever turned away again.
"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."