Numerous people are reporting getting unsolicited text messages saying something like this:
Don’t want to wait in line at the polls?
Skip the crowds and vote from home this November.
Request your ballot here: votedotgop.org/wn8Uftbic
The web address VoteDotGOP.org was registered back in 2016. If you just go to that URL, you get an error message. But, if you use the additional part of the address (the “wn8Uftbic” in the above address), you are redirected to Vote.GOP. There, you are asked to fill out a form with ALL of the information needed to look up your voter registration, PLUS your email address and your cell phone (which are not part of your voter registration).
At that point, the Republican National Committee not only has all your voter file info, they also have your email and cell phone, so they can send you emails and text messages. At least they are up front about it – in small type at the bottom, they say “By providing your phone number, you are consenting to receive calls and SMS/MMS msgs, including autodialed and automated calls and texts, to that number from the Republican National Committee.”
Other people are picking up on this as well:
https://twitter.com/AnalyticsEqv/status/1294713390556950528?s=20
So, if you get one of these texts, don’t click the link, and block the number. Then go to GoVoteKY.com and request your absentee ballot in a few days, when the portal goes live.
–30–