Below is the press release from Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz’s office.

With one week before Election Day, Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz is calling on Rep. Christopher Caruso to work with Bridgeport election officials and help ensure that all of Bridgeport’s voting equipment is available for voters.

Last week Rep. Caruso’s mayoral campaign lost a court case which challenged the results of the primary election. Rep. Caruso is appealing the decision and has requested that the voting machines used in the primary remain impounded. Bridgeport City officials and the Attorney General’s office - representing the Secretary of the State - will argue at a hearing set for today with Judge John Blawie that the machines should be released so they can be used in the upcoming general election.

“Judge Blawie has ruled that the primary election results are valid,” said Secretary Bysiewicz. “Rep. Caruso is entitled to appeal but he should not hold the city’s voting machines hostage in the process. The actual paper ballots would be available for review if necessary but the voting machines used in the primary should be released now so election officials can prepare them for next week’s general election. Rep. Caruso has the opportunity to help, and ensure that taxpayers are not forced to shell out thousands of dollars to have substitute machines shipped in from out of state.”

The hearing on this matter is set for 2:00 PM at the Connecticut Superior Court - Judicial District of Fairfield at Bridgeport.