Dead Voters Found to Have Submitted Absentee Ballots in Brooklyn Primary

During a recent tightly contested Republican primary in south Brooklyn, authorities discovered that at least two individuals who had passed away over a decade ago had absentee ballots submitted in their names. Both Juliet Windvan and Antoinette Garzaniti participated in the District 47 race between Brooklyn GOP chairman Richie Barsamian and George Sarantopoulous, despite records indicating their deaths.

Further investigations revealed a third voter, 87-year-old William Allen, who received a ballot correction notice despite not voting in the election, and his family confirmed he had torn up his ballot after receiving it. Windvan’s family was also unaware of her ballot submission, with Social Security records showing she died in 2007. Garzaniti’s daughter, Linda Smith, expressed shock upon learning of her mother’s ballot being cast posthumously. Her mother’s ballots were reportedly discarded after discovery.

George Sarantopoulous, currently leading with a narrow margin of 32 votes, called the incident troubling and urged for a thorough investigation. Election lawyer Martin Connor emphasized the seriousness, questioning how unauthorised individuals could obtain and submit ballots illegally.

Longtime election watchdog John Kaehny stated that while voter fraud remains rare and detectable, attempts continue to be made. Brooklyn Councilman Justin Brannan also demanded an immediate probe into the irregularities.

Many are questioning the integrity of the election process following these findings. Despite the controversy, officials from the campaign and the Board of Elections have yet to comment, and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office declined to discuss ongoing investigations.

Sarantopoulous described the situation as “shocking and concerning,” highlighting the need for further inquiry into voting irregularities.