NY Board of Election Warns of Scam Alerts Ahead of Voter Registration Deadline

ALBANY, N.Y. - The deadline to register to vote in the 2018 general election is Friday, October 12.

With the deadline in mind, the New York State Board of Elections is warning the public to be aware of scam calls and text messages being sent out to try to obtain personal information.

The phone calls and texts have originated from the 607 area code and have been reported in Chemung and Steuben Counties so far.

Click here for summary. 

Source WHAM (via Empire Report New York) 

Statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo 

Governor Andrew Cuomo today cautioned New Yorkers of a voter registration scam reported in Chemung and Steuben Counties. Residents have reported receiving calls and text messages from a 607 area code offering to register the person to vote and requesting personal information over the phone. 

Voter registration is not conducted over the phone in New York and those contacted should not engage in phone calls or text messages offering these services. It is especially important not to provide personal information over the phone when you are solicited in this manner. 

"Elections are the foundation of our democracy, and scams like this not only compromise their security, but threaten the integrity of our elections altogether," Governor Cuomo said. "I urge New Yorkers to remain vigilant and to report suspicious election activity immediately so action may be taken to hold those involved accountable." 

Individuals interested in registering to vote may do so here. If you are unsure of your registration status, click here. The last day to register to vote in the New York general election on November 6, 2018 is October 12. 

Following reports of election fraud in the 2016 presidential election, Governor Cuomo has prioritized election security in New York to ensure that the state's elections are not compromised. The Governor has taken several actions, including an initiative to strengthen statewide cybersecurity infrastructure and a series of exercises to improve the state's electoral system. 

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo