10/21/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/22/2024 00:23
Election officials across North Carolina are fielding numerous complaints from voters about unsolicited text messages they are receiving that state: "A voter at [residential address] may not have voted. Vote here: [website address]."
The website listed on these messages is the State Board of Elections' Early Voting Site Search, which provides county-by-county early voting sites and schedules. However, the State Board of Elections does not send out mass text messages to voters about any topic.
This election season, election officials have received many questions and complaints from voters about these and other unsolicited messages. This is not unusual. They are likely to continue through Election Day, Nov. 5.
Such efforts typically are legal, but they can be confusing or frustrating for voters, especially when they are unsolicited.
"While we know these communications may be annoying or confusing, the purpose of most of them is to encourage voters to exercise their right to vote," said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. "Elections officials share that goal and encourage voters to seek out trusted sources, including the State Board and county boards of elections, for direct, accurate information about voting."
Below are a few tips and information for voters who receive text messages and other unsolicited communications about elections and voting: