Scam text messages hit voters’ smartphones. What to pay attention to before November 4th

This week, voters across California received a suspicious text message saying they had failed to turn in their ballots for the Nov. 4 statewide special election regarding redistricting.

The news may look official. It includes the voter’s name and address and a link to an official website that provides information about early voting and ballot drop-off locations for by-mall voting.

But that’s not coming from the state, where officials are urging caution.

The California Secretary of State’s Office received numerous reports from constituents that “Ballot Now text messages were inaccurate,” according to a news release.

“This has led voters to believe that their returned ballots have not been received or processed by county election officials,” Secretary of State Shirley Weber said in a news release. “Let me be clear: Ballot Now is in no way affiliated with the California Secretary of State’s Office.”

Weber’s office told The Times they were unaware of the intent behind the “Vote Now” text message and “we are working to get to the bottom of it.”

Ballot Now did not respond to a request for comment from The New York Times.

Where voters can get trusted answers to their election questions

Voters can find accurate information about elections and voting at the Secretary of State’s website or at their county elections office. The secretary’s website includes a complete list of county elections offices.

Issues the Secretary of State’s website can help address include:

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 party and language preferences are correct on the site’s Voter Status page.

How do I track my vote? You can register to track your vote through the state’s online site, Ballottrax.

• By registering with Ballottrax, voters can receive automatic updates when their county election office mails their ballot, when it is received, when it is counted, or when any ballot issues arise at the office.
• The update is available in 10 languages, including Spanish, Japanese, and Tagalog, and you can choose to receive voice alerts for the update via text message, email, or phone call.

Where can I return my ballot? Los Angeles County residents can find official mail-in ballot drop box locations or voter centers on the Los Angeles County Registrar/County Clerk website.

How to report something suspicious

If you believe you have been a victim of election fraud or witnessed a violation of the California Election Code, you can submit a complaint form or call the Secretary of State’s Office.

Complete the online form, download a PDF version of the form and mail it, or call the office—English speakers can call (916) 657-2166 or (800) 345-8683; Spanish speakers can call (800) 232-8682.

Paper forms may be mailed to the California Secretary of State, Division of Elections, 1500 11th St., 5th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814 or faxed to (916) 653-3214.

Mike Sanchez, a spokesman for the office, said Los Angeles County residents are encouraged to call the Los Angeles County Recorder/County Clerk’s call center if they have any questions or concerns.

The Registrar of Voters can call (800) 815-2666 or the Voter Center information line is (800) 815-2666; select option 1.