Misleading text messages from ‘voter mobilization’ group create confusion in key swing states

Thousands of voters in Pennsylvania received a confusing text message this weekend claiming they already voted in the 2024 presidential election.

Thousands of voters in Pennsylvania received a confusing text message this weekend claiming they already voted in the 2024 presidential election. “Records show you voted,” the message said, directing people to an official website with information about polling places and early on-demand voting in the state. The organization behind the texts, AllVote, said the messages contained errors and should have told voters they had cast their ballots in 2022 and directed them to a link with information about voting in 2024. However, “in 2022” was left out, causing confusion. A spokesperson said the misleading text was followed by an apology message, though those who had replied “STOP” or marked the first message as spam may not have received it. It’s the latest case of misleading or incorrect election-related information being disseminated by the group, which has been flagged by officials from across the country – including in the key swing states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina and Arizona – as a scam. “Voters should be more cautious as we get closer to the November 5th Election, as other bad actors may attempt to send similar phishing emails/texts,” the Pennsylvania Department of State warned this summer after voters in Northampton County received confusing messages from AllVote claiming there was an issue with their voter registration status. AllVote – which, according to its website, works to “mobilize progressive voters,” by providing information on how to vote – told CNN it doesn’t engage in phishing because it doesn’t collect data or send out links that solicit personal information.