New York AG Announces Investigation Into Robocalls Allegedly Designed to Mislead Voters

New York AG Announces Investigation Into Robocalls Allegedly Designed to Mislead Voters
New York State Attorney General Letitia James takes a question at a news conference in New York, N.Y., on Aug. 6, 2020. Kathy Willens/AP Photo
Jack Phillips
Updated:

New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, announced an investigation in robocalls that were allegedly designed to provide misleading information to voters on Election Day.

According to her office, the robocalls were allegedly telling people to stay home on Nov. 3.

“Voting is a cornerstone of our democracy,” James said. “Attempts to hinder voters from exercising their right to cast their ballots are disheartening, disturbing, and wrong. What’s more is that it is illegal, and it will not be tolerated. Every voter must be able to exercise their fundamental right to vote without being harassed, coerced, or intimidated.

“Our nation has a legacy of free and fair elections, and this election will be no different. Voters should rest assured that voting is safe and secure, and they should exercise their fundamental right to vote in confidence. We, along with state leaders across the nation, are working hard to protecting your right to vote, and anyone who tries to hinder that right will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

James didn’t elaborate on the nature of the robocalls. She said people with concerns should call her office’s Election Protection Hotline at 1-800-771-7755.

Robocalls apparently were deployed on Election Day in Michigan, said Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

“We received reports that an unknown party is purposefully spreading misinformation via robocalls in Flint in an attempt to confuse voters. Let me be clear—if you plan to vote in-person, you must do so, or be in line to do so, by 8PM today,” she wrote on Twitter.

Whitmer added, “Lines across the state are minimal and moving quickly, and ... leaders across state and local government will work quickly to stamp out misinformation trying to prevent Michiganders from voting.”

The governor didn’t elaborate on the nature of the calls.

Jack Phillips
Jack Phillips
Breaking News Reporter
Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter who covers a range of topics, including politics, U.S., and health news. A father of two, Jack grew up in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5
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