HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Connecticut Secretary of the State Denise Merrill is trying to assure voters that the November election will be administered ``as freely and fairly as possible'' and any claims to the contrary are ``irresponsible.''

Friday's statement from Merrill, a Democrat, comes amid claims by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump that the election is ``rigged'' against him and may be soiled by widespread voter fraud.

Merrill says the state goes through numerous precautions to ensure the elections are fair. She says hundreds of elections officials, including registrars, moderators, clerks and volunteer poll workers go through a series of steps to serve the voters.

Merrill notes how addresses on voter registration forms are confirmed, the identities of voters are checked at the polls, complaints are investigated and audits are taken of results.