HARTFORD—Democrats angry over ballot shortages in Bridgeport convinced a Hartford judge to keep the polls open until 10 p.m., Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz ’83 announced at a press conference shortly after 8 p.m.

Bridgeport, the state’s largest city and traditionally a Democratic stronghold, has 69,000 registered voters, but elections officials in the city only requested 21,000 ballots, Bysiewicz said, adding that her office supported the Democrats’ suit.

“We’re very thankful that the judge has decided to protect the civil rights of voters,” Bysiewicz said.

UPDATE: 9:21

Bysiewicz said the number of registered voters is 69,000.