Arizona election officials warn about voter registration phone scams
Oct 2, 2018, 3:29 PM
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
PHOENIX — It’s not difficult for Arizonans to register to vote, but they can’t do it over the phone.
That’s the message election officials were getting out Tuesday in response to a nationwide scam in which callers are offering registration services.
“That’s not coming from us,” Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes said during a social media livestream. “It’s not coming from any legitimate organization.”
He said it’s never a good idea to share personal information like name, address and social security number over the phone.
Oct. 9 is the registration deadline for the Nov. 6 election.
Arizonans who want to register or update their address or party affiliation can do so through the Arizona Department of Transportation at ServiceArizona.com.
Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan warned against callers or other websites offering registrations services.
“Many of these sites collect an individual’s personal information to only turn around and sell it to marketing companies to generate revenue,” she said in a press release.
“Oftentimes if you take a moment to review their privacy policy, you’ll see that not only are they collecting your personal information, they are also tracking your computer’s identifying information and surfing habits.”
Fontes said that in addition to the official website, voters can register by filling out forms available during registration drives and through political parties.
People can also register in person at their county recorder’s office.