A letter sent to seniors about absentee ballot fraud has generated more controversy in the Bridgeport mayoral race.

The letter, which is simply signed "Absentee Ballot Fraud Watchdogs," says: "It is quite rare that four members of any household would legally qualify to vote by absentee ballot.  It would be even more unlikely were it to occur again in the November election."

The letter then warns of prison time and stiff fines for committing voter fraud.

The Rev. Dr. Herron K. Gaston says the letter aimed to frighten seniors who supported Mayor Joe Ganim in the primary into not voting in November.

“Do not be scared. Don't feel bullied into submission to go the other way,” he told News 12. “Vote for the candidate of your choice…Do not allow anyone to stop you from exercising your right to vote either at the ballot box or by absentee voting."

Ganim won the mayoral primary over state Sen. Marilyn Moore by securing more absentee ballots even though Moore initially looked like she won at the polls.

State Sen. Moore released a statement to News 12:

“I have no knowledge of who is sending this letter. It's important that voters who vote by absentee ballot have accurate information from verifiable sources. The copy of the letter I saw was anonymous and I don't know its intent. I do not want any voter who should be voting by absentee ballot to feel intimidated. That would amount to voter suppression, which is wrong.  Concerned people who receive the letter should contact the Secretary of the State if they are unsure of their voting options."

Moore went on to say she hopes the absentee ballot controversy does not distract from the important issues facing voters in the November general election.