State To Investigate Goshen Bd of Ed Election
On August 21, the CT State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) voted to authorize an investigation of Goshen’s June 17th election of a representative to the Region 20 Board of Education. Under Commission procedures, complaints are docketed for investigation when they allege facts, which if proven true, would constitute a violation of state election or campaign finance laws.
The investigation stems from an inquiry by The Goshen News to SEEC, regarding the legality of the Town’s decision to certify the election of Ashley Dadonna to the Region 20 School Board. Dadonna received 161 votes in the June Town Meeting vote, while her opponent, Emily Cole, received 160. At least 3 registered voters were reported to have been improperly denied ballots due to lack of ID; a sufficient number to potentially change the outcome of the election.
At the time of The Goshen News’ initial inquiry, SEEC advised that the matter could not be discussed, and questions could not be answered unless there was a complaint before the Commission. At that time there was none regarding this matter. The Goshen News Publisher, as a private citizen, subsequently filed a complaint with the Commission in order to obtain answers to those questions.
The complaint named 1st Selectman Todd Carusillo and Town Clerk Barbara Breor as Respondents. Evidence submitted in support of the complaint included a copy of the Zoom recording of the June 17th Town Meeting and copies of two Goshen News articles which quoted election officials’ allegations of procedural improprieties.
Under Commission rules, the investigation is to be completed, and a resolution is to be reached, by August 13, 2025. That deadline is subject to extension, however, under certain circumstances.
