Election Commission Warns of Texting Scam

The Peoria County Election Commission is warning residents of a reported text message phishing scam that urges recipients to click on a false link to register to vote by mail this election season.

Last week, an election judge in Peoria County received an SMS message that read, "We have you in our records as not signed up to receive a ballot in the mail. Sign up in 2 minutes at: [link removed for press release]. stop = end." The election judge did not click the link or send a reply, but instead reported the suspicious message to Peoria County who in turn reached out to state partners to provide notification of the incident.

This warning is not limited to Peoria County residents or even residents of Illinois. Similar incidents were reported in Cobb County, Georgia and Lycoming County, Pennsylvania earlier this week.

"What happened here was the appropriate response: never click a suspicious link or reply to an unknown number," says Executive Director Elizabeth Gannon. "Disheartening as it is, similar attempts at mis- and disinformation will only increase as we get closer to the election. Your local election authority should be your number one source for up to date and accurate election information. When in doubt, reach out."

The Peoria County Election Commission is located at 4422 Brandywine Drive in Peoria, open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For questions, concerns, or to report suspicious voting activity, their number is (309) 324-2300. For other official election information, visit their website at peoriaelections.gov