This week voters across California received a suspicious text message saying they failed to open their ballots for the November 4th special election by renewal.
The message may seem legitimate. It includes the VOTER’s name and address and a link to an official website that provides information on early voting and ballot polling locations.
But it’s not from the Government, and officials are urging caution.
The California Secretary of State’s Office received multiple reports from voters at the events of “incorrect text from vote now,” according to a news release.
“This has led voters to believe that their returned ballots have not been accepted or processed by County election officials,” Shirley Weber, Secretary of State, said in a release. “Let me be clear: The vote now has nothing to do with the California Secretary of State’s office.”
Weber’s office told The Times it knows the intent behind the polling now messages, and “we’re trying to get to the bottom of it.”
Now they voted without responding to the request for an answer.
Where voters can get honest answers to their election questions
Voters can find relevant election information and vote on the Secretary of State’s website or at the County Election Office. The clerk’s website includes a complete list of County election offices.
Questions that the Secretary of State’s website can help with:
How do I check my voter status? By entering some personal information, you can see if you are registered to vote, where you are registered, and check that your political party and language preferences are correct on the Website’s status page.
How do I track my voting? You can register to track your vote by using the government’s online ballotstrax website.
- By registering for ballottrax, voters receive automatic updates when the Office of Elections for All: Email they vote for, receive their ballot, or when its office, or when the office has voting problems.
- Updates are available in 10 languages - including Spanish, Japanese and Tagalog – and you can choose to be scheduled in writing, via e-mail or called via voice alert updates.
Where can I return my vote? Los Angeles County residents can find official polling places or voter centers at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder / County Clerk Website.
How to report something fishy
If you believe you are a victim of election fraud or have witnessed a violation of the California election code, you can submit a complaint form or call the Secretary of State’s Office.
Fill out the online form, download the PDF version of the form and email it, or call the office – English speakers can call (916) 657-2166 or (800) 345-8683; Spanish speakers can call (800) 232-8682.
The physical form can be mailed to the California Secretary of State Elections Division at 1500 11th St.
Los Angeles County residents are encouraged to call the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Center with any questions or concerns, said Mike Sanchez, office spokesman.
The Registrar of Voters can be reached at (800) 815-2666, and the voter center information number is (800) 815-2666; Select the No option. 1.
