Election Calls and Scams - Please Pay Attention!

The South Dakota Secretary of State’s office asks voters to remain vigilant every election season. Election call scams and misinformation pose a significant threat to the integrity of the democratic process. Often employing robocalls, these scams aim to deceive and manipulate voters, potentially disrupting the electoral process.

Every election cycle is so important, with many items of public interest on the ballot. Communications from politically affiliated groups to registered voters are to be expected as the election nears. As a voter, it may be difficult to differentiate legitimate political communications from scams. If you are not sure a communication comes from a legitimate source, the Secretary of State’s Office advises the following safety guidelines:

• Don’t give out personal information until you can verify the caller’s identity.
• Document information such as the caller’s name, association, and phone number. If a voicemail was left, save it for future review.
• If the caller is abusive or threatening, write down their statements in as much detail as possible.
• Scammers often appeal to a sense of urgency, intimidation, or fear. Be wary if a caller is attempting to incite an emotional response.
• Do not pay or offer payment details unless you can verify the caller’s identity. Be especially wary if a caller demands a specific method of payment (Gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, etc.)
• Confirm the identity of the caller through trusted sources. For example, if the caller claims to be from the Secretary of State’s office, contact the number listed on the office’s official website to confirm that the call is legitimate.
• If you suspect a scam, contact local law enforcement or other authority as appropriate.

We encourage voters to have a healthy dose of skepticism regarding unsolicited communications. Please contact the Secretary of State’s office directly if you receive any communications related to the following:

• Any attempt to prevent you or another voter from exercising your right to vote
• Any attempt to discourage or dissuade you from voting
• Possible impersonation of a political candidate or party
• Election-related misinformation, such as false information about the date of the election or the voting process itself

Some robocalls may violate federal and state consumer protection laws, including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and the Truth in Caller ID Act. For more information, rules and reporting on robo calls, please visit the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission's website.

Please be aware that voting information (minus any personal identifiable information (PII)) is public information and groups/candidates do buy the voter file information.

People who receive suspicious communications are encouraged to contact the Secretary of State’s Office, the Division of Elections at elections@state.sd.us or call 605-773-3537. Please pass along any information that you receive.