FLINT, Mich. (WXYZ) — State officials say Flint residents are being targeted in voter suppression robocalls.
Attorney General Dana Nessel said residents are getting calls saying they should vote on Wednesday, due to long lines.
Getting reports of multiple robocalls going to Flint residents that, due to long lines, they should vote tomorrow.
— Dana Nessel (@dananessel) November 3, 2020
Obviously this is FALSE and an effort to suppress the vote. No long lines and today is the last day to vote. Don’t believe the lies! Have your voice heard! RT PLS.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said the state is speaking with the mayor of Flint to ensure every voter in the city is receiving correct information.
“We received reports that an unknown party is purposefully spreading misinformation via robocalls in Flint in an attempt to confuse voters there, and I want to ensure everyone who plans to vote in person understands they must do so — or be in line to do so — by 8 p.m. today," Benson said in a statement. "Lines in the area and across the state are minimal and moving quickly, and Michigan voters can feel confident that leaders across state and local government are vigilant against these kinds of attacks on their voting rights and attempts at voter suppression, and we will be working quickly all day to stamp out any misinformation aimed at preventing people from exercising their right to vote."
We received reports that an unknown party is purposefully spreading misinformation via robocalls in Flint in an attempt to confuse voters.
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) November 3, 2020
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.
Additionally, the FBI is investigating these robocalls, per a senior CISA official.
The official added this is a “voter intimidation, voter suppression tactic” and the official also pointed out that robocalls of this nature happen every election.
“Be mindful of people that are trying to intimidate you, undermine your confidence, but keep calm and vote on,” the senior CISA official continued.
Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley released a statement on the robocalls saying,
"In light of disturbing reports of misleading robocalls designed to disrupt the election process, we are reminding the residents of Flint that today is Election Day and, as always, to make sure they rely on credible information. All residents must deliver their absentee ballot, cast their vote, or be in line at the polls by 8 p.m. to have their vote counted.
We had lines of voters at several Flint polling locations when they opened at 7 a.m., but things seem to be moving quickly and smoothly now. We are offering any and all support needed to City Clerk Inez Brown, who is ultimately responsible for managing today’s election, including additional security precautions to make sure polling places remain safe spaces free of threat and intimidation.
Those who want to vote, but are not yet registered can still do so at the City Clerk’s office inside City Hall. All registered voters should vote at their polling place. You can find yours at Michigan.gov/VOTE.
Remember: Vote today."