Pasco Republicans Targeted in Voter Scam

Brian Corley wants voters to be very wary of letters that come in the mail from the “County Supervisor Division of Elections.”

Those letters, postmarked out of Seattle, Wash., are fraudulent.

Corley ought to know.

As Pasco County’s supervisor of elections, Corley has faced unusual election scams in the past. Unlike other scams, however, this one isn’t meant to up voter registration rolls.

It seems to be targeting Republican “super voters,” Corley said.

“It’s letterhead that’s doctored,” he said Tuesday evening after his office received two complaints from voters about the letters.

The letters, which claim to come from Corley’s office, tell voters their citizenship is in question and say they might not be eligible to vote in the Nov. 6 election. Letter recipients are being told that voting without citizenship is a third-degree felony.

In order to clear up the mess, the letters tell voters they need to complete a voter eligibility form within 15 days or their names will be removed from voter rolls.

So far, two letters have been reported to Corley's office, but there may be more. Both were sent to Pasco Republicans who have voted consistently in recent elections, Corley added.

The Problem Goes Beyond Pasco

Corley said the letters aren’t just showing up in Pasco County.

“Corley was made aware of the fraudulent letters yesterday (Monday) via email from Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner whose office has begun an investigation into the letters, (which were) first reported by Brevard County,” a media release from Corley’s office said.

In a subsequent interview, Corley said the letters are now being reported in counties statewide.

“It’s utterly pathetic,” he said.

It is unclear at this time if voters in Hillsborough County have received similar letters. The Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office, however, has sent out a media release warning voters about the letter campaign.

‘Cowardice’ is to Blame

Corley is outraged that voters are receiving the letters.

“The word cowardice comes to mind,” he said. “Scaring or intimidating voters is inappropriate and I’ll do everything I can to assist (law enforcement). We want to encourage everyone to vote. (People) shouldn’t be using scare tactics and be deceitful to accomplish a goal.”

What to Do If You Receive a Letter

Anyone who receives the letter is asked to call 1-800-851-8754 and retain the envelope and letter.