Sacred Heart University students say they experienced what the university calls “borderline voter suppression” at polling places in Bridgeport yesterday.
The university said on Twitter it received several reports of students being hassled by officials while attempting to vote in Bridgeport.
We've received multiple reports of students being given a hard time by officials when attempting to vote in Bridgeport. If you continue to have issues voting, contact the BPT registrar of voters at 203-576-7281.— Sacred Heart University (@sacredheartuniv) November 5, 2019
Carlos Ruiz was one of several students who stood outside Winthrop Elementary School, a few blocks from the university, to advise students who came to vote.
“As soon as the Sacred Heart students are walking in, they make comments like, oh, well, here they go again, the Sacred Heart students. It just feels like there’s not a very open, welcoming feeling when it comes to voting, and I think that they should be open that the students are finally voting and having a voice.”
The university said students had to sign affidavits confirming their residence, even if they brought photo identification.
About 600 Sacred Heart University students are registered to vote in Bridgeport.
Bridgeport registrars of voters were not immediately available for comment.
Disclosure: Sacred Heart University is the licensee of WSHU Public Radio.
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