ASHEBORO, N.C.(ACME NEWS) — The North Carolina State Board of Elections is advising voters that they do not send mass text messages, after receiving multiple reports of unsolicited voting-related texts ahead of the upcoming election.
Election officials stated they received complaints from voters that had received text messages suggesting that someone at their address “may not have cast a ballot” and providing a link to a state website for early voting locations. Yesterday, the State Election Board issued a press release stating that while the link did goto the official state website, that the texts were not from them, going on to say that the Election Board does “not send mass texts on any subject to voters.”
In the press release State Election Officials say these types of messages are often sent by political or advocacy groups to boost voter turnout. While legal, they can create confusion or frustration, particularly when they are unsolicited. Concerns and complaints about unsolicited messages during election season are normal, said officials, who expect complaints to persist through Election Day on November 5.
Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections, acknowledged that while such messages may be irritating or unclear, they are usually aimed at encouraging voter participation. She urged voters to rely on official sources, such as the State Board or local county boards of elections, for accurate voting information.
These groups often obtain contact details from public records or purchase them from data vendors, which they then use to contact voters. However, these lists can contain outdated or incorrect information, meaning some voters might receive messages indicating they haven’t voted, even if they already have.
The Board reminds voters to not attempt to vote again if they receive a message saying they havn’t cast a ballot, and that voting twice is a crime. If you suspect a message or email about voting, polling locations, or the election may be fraudulent or misleading can report it to the State Board by sending a screenshot and details to elections.sboe@ncsbe.gov for review. If you have questions about your voting status or the status of a ballot, you can contact your local election office.
Voters are encouraged to ensure they get information about voting from official channels, such as the N.C. State Board of Elections website at http://NCSBE.gov.
Early voting is currently underway across North Carolina, with eligible voters able to register at early voting sites.
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