On October 1, 2018, two
state election offices reported residents receiving phone calls impersonating
an organization that provides voter registration assistance. The callers asked
the recipients if they wanted to register to vote or request an absentee ballot
over the phone.
These calls raise the
possibility of voter confusion or follow-on malicious activity. Those who
provide information to the callers will not be registered to vote, potentially
causing a large number of unregistered residents to appear at their local
polling place on Election Day. Those who requested an absentee ballot may
contact local election offices seeking their mailed ballot or report requesting
the ballot but not receiving it.
Additionally, voter
registration requires residents to provide significant personal information,
such as date of birth, physical address, or partial Social Security Numbers. It
is unclear at this time if the callers requested the sensitive personal
information required for registration. If provided, this information could be
used to attempt fraudulent voter registration or conduct financially-motivated
identity theft.
If you receive a phone call in this nature, please do not give your information out over the phone, if you have any questions call the Village Hall at 608-839-4704 for assistance.