Election Day Robocalls: 'Stay Home' Messages Prompt Investigation

A wave of automated phone calls advising citizens to “remain safe and stay home” has drawn scrutiny from the FBI and the New York Attorney General, raising concerns about potential voter suppression tactics.

The concise message, which does not directly reference Election Day, has led New York Attorney General Letitia James to initiate an inquiry into the situation. James declared on Tuesday that her office is currently examining reports of voters receiving these automated calls.

“The right to vote is fundamental to our democratic process,” James stated in a release on Tuesday. “Any attempts to prevent eligible citizens from exercising their right to vote are deeply troubling and unacceptable.”

James further emphasized that these types of calls are unlawful and will not be permitted.

The FBI confirmed to TechCrunch that the agency is aware of the reports concerning the robocalls. While the FBI did not confirm an investigation, a high-ranking official within the Department of Homeland Security informed reporters on Tuesday, as reported by the AP, that the FBI is investigating calls intended to dissuade individuals from voting.

“The FBI reminds the public to confirm any election or voting details they receive by contacting their local election authorities,” the FBI communicated in a statement to TechCrunch.

This announcement from James follows the issuance of subpoenas earlier this week by the New York Attorney General’s office to determine the origin of these robocalls, which are suspected of disseminating false information. New York residents who encounter questionable disinformation or experience problems while voting can reach the Election Protection Hotline at 1-800-771-7755.

“Each voter should be able to fulfill their basic right to vote without facing harassment, pressure, or intimidation. Our country has a history of free and fair elections, and this election will be no exception,” James continued. “Voters can be confident that voting is secure, and they should exercise their right to vote without hesitation. We, alongside leaders across the country, are dedicated to safeguarding your right to vote, and anyone who attempts to obstruct that right will face the full consequences of the law.”

In the previous month, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that a task force established by Attorney General William P. Barr had submitted a report to Congress detailing efforts to halt illegal robocalls. The report outlined actions taken by the DOJ, including two legal actions filed in January 2020 against U.S.-based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers, in collaboration with the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission, to address the issue of illegal robocalls. Despite these measures, and even some initial reductions in robocall volume, the upcoming presidential election and the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to a recent surge in these calls.