FBI Typo Prompts Sec Of State Rebuke

By Thomas Breen, New Haven Independent

NEW HAVEN, CT — The secretary of the state's office reminded Connecticut voters on Tuesday that Election Day is Tuesday — not Wednesday — regardless of whatever the FBI's New Haven office might post on social media.

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"We are aware of misinformation circulating on social media, posted by the FBI's New Haven office, incorrectly stating that Election Day is Wednesday," Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas is quoted as saying in a Tuesday morning press release.

"Do not believe it. Election Day is TODAY, Tuesday, November 3."

The social media post in question was published on X, formerly known as Twitter, by @FBINewHaven, according to a screenshot provided by Secretary of the State spokesperson Matthew Clyburn.

Clyburn told the Independent that he is not sure when that social media post was originally published. It has since been taken down.

"Election day is Wednesday and the #FBI is working around the clock to ensure the midterms are safe," the post states. It then references an interview that Special Agent in Charge P.J. O'Brien and Public Affairs Specialist Christine Jeltema did on the Bridgeport-based radio station WICC "to discuss how the FBI protects the integrity of elections, including threats, voter intimidation, and ballot fraud." That WICC took place on Monday.

Jeltema, from the FBI's New Haven office, told the Independent on Tuesday that the post "was removed once the typo was identified."

In her Tuesday morning press release, Thomas stated that polls across Connecticut are open until 8 p.m., and that anyone in line by 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

"Accurate election information matters, especially when it comes from trusted government agencies. I encourage voters to verify election information with official state and local election officials and visit MyVote.CT.gov for reliable information," she continued.

"Don't let incorrect information or confusion keep you from making your voice heard today."

The New Haven Independent is a not-for-profit public-interest daily news site founded in 2005.