According to the State Board of Elections, texting scams are spreading disinformation about the upcoming election and voters are warned to be vigilant.
Registered voters have reported getting a text that falsely claims the voter is not registered and urges them to click a weblink that is not associated with the Board of Elections, according to the board. The text says, “URGENT: To vote in the upcoming election, you MUST be registered, but public records show you’re not registered at [voter address].” The text goes on to provide a fraudulent link for voters to register through.
In a written statement, Maryland’s State Administrator of Elections Jared DeMarinis said, “Election scams are a direct threat to the legitimacy of the electoral process. They are designed to steal identities, sow distrust in the election administration and undermine confidence. With election scams and disinformation on the rise nationwide, I encourage every Marylander to be vigilant of any election information sent by phone, mail and email. Any voter wishing to check their registration status or learn about the 2024 general election should visit SBE’s official website www.elections.maryland.gov. SBE is a trusted source of information on voter registration, polling locations, mail-in ballot status, and available ways to vote. Please follow us on social media for up to date information.”
The Board of Elections reminds voters that its texts are sent from 833-572-1128 and only include links to official government websites. Voters will never be asked for personal information over text.
