Bloomfield Democrats Accuse Republicans of Voter Suppression Tactics

Are Republicans trying to fool voters into staying at home Tuesday?

Bloomfield Democrats have accused Republicans of trying to scare voters away from polls, saying that flyers mailed out to Bloomfield homes include insinuations of danger and violence.

Republicans deny the message constitutes voter suppression.

The flyer implores voters to “be extra careful” when leaving their homes to vote.

The flyer reads “because of the increase in the crime rate here in Bloomfield, Line B is asking all voters to be extra careful when leaving your home to vote.”

Democrats contend the statement is meant to scare people away from voting by implying danger.

"The message contained in the flyer is designed to confuse voters," Democratic candidate Venezia said in an email. 

Republican Mayoral candidate Russ Mollica said the Democrats are incorrectly reading into a message urging people to come out and vote and called the outcry an act of desperation on the part of the Democrats.

“All we want to do is have people to be safe,” Mollica said.

Mollica said that Democrats have recognized public safety issues in the past, noting Democratic support of the referendum on the ballot concerning funding a new police substation.

“We’re saying go out and vote,” Mollica said. “That’s what [the flyer] is telling me.”

Venezia and his running mates said they have contacted Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray over the mailing.

According to Venezia, the mailed message was printed in English and Spanish along with another flyer touting Democrat Mayor Raymond McCarthy’s endorsement of Mollica.

Editor's note: this article has been edited from its original version to reflect new comments from Mollica and for clarity.