This raising concerns about potential election interference.
The New Hampshire Attorney General’s office has initiated an investigation into a potential case of voter suppression involving a robocall that impersonated President Joe Biden. NBC News reported on the call, which advised recipients not to vote in the upcoming presidential primary, claiming that voting on that specific Tuesday would favor Republicans and contribute to the re-election of Donald Trump. The call, featuring a voice resembling President Biden, suggested that voters should reserve their votes for the November election.
In response, the Attorney General’s office released a statement indicating that the content of the robocall appeared artificially generated, constituting a potential unlawful attempt to disrupt the New Hampshire Presidential Primary Election and suppress voters. The office urged New Hampshire voters to completely disregard the message.
A complaint was filed by a prominent New Hampshire Democrat whose personal cellphone number appeared on the caller ID of those who received the call. The robocall began with the phrase “What a bunch of malarkey,” a term commonly used by Biden. It conveyed the message that voting on the specified Tuesday would only serve the Republicans’ goal of re-electing Donald Trump, emphasizing the importance of saving the vote for the November election.
The call concluded with a phone number belonging to Kathy Sullivan, a former chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party who currently leads a super PAC supporting the campaign encouraging Democrats to write in Biden’s name in the primary. Notably, Biden’s name did not appear on the primary ballot due to the timing set by state elections officials.
Kathy Sullivan received calls from individuals who had received the robocall, expressing confusion about Biden calling them and providing her number. She emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating her intent to pursue legal actions against those responsible, considering it an attack on democracy.
Julie Chavez Rodriguez, the Biden campaign manager, declared that the campaign is actively discussing additional actions to address the situation promptly. Sullivan, an attorney herself, expressed her determination to uncover the perpetrators, understand their motives, and ensure they face legal consequences.
State officials, including Secretary of State David Scanlan and Senator Maggie Hassan, condemned the robocalls, with Scanlan highlighting concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on campaigns. Meanwhile, the campaign of Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota, who is challenging Biden for the nomination, called the effort to discourage voters disgraceful and an unacceptable affront to democracy.
The investigation is ongoing, and efforts are underway to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
