Fact Check: Robocalls urged voters to skip the primary election.

Fact Check: "Robocalls urged voters to skip the primary election."

What We Know

In January 2024, reports emerged of robocalls in New Hampshire that used artificial intelligence to mimic President Joe Biden's voice, urging voters to skip the primary election. The calls advised recipients to "save your vote for the November election," suggesting that participation in the primary would benefit Republicans, specifically referencing Donald Trump (AP News). The New Hampshire Attorney General's office confirmed that these calls were part of an illegal attempt to suppress voter turnout and encouraged recipients to disregard the messages (NPR).

The calls reportedly originated from a number spoofed to appear as if it belonged to Kathy Sullivan, a former state Democratic Party chair. Sullivan claimed that the calls were a form of election interference, as they misled voters about the importance of the primary election (AP News). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed significant fines against the political consultant responsible for the calls, Steve Kramer, who faced criminal charges for voter suppression and impersonating a candidate (NPR).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that robocalls urged voters to skip the primary election is robust. Multiple reputable news sources, including the Associated Press and NPR, have confirmed the existence of these calls and their content. The calls used AI technology to create a convincing imitation of Biden's voice, which is particularly concerning given the potential for such technology to mislead voters (AP News, NPR).

The credibility of the sources reporting on this incident is high. The Associated Press is a well-respected news organization known for its factual reporting, and NPR is similarly regarded for its journalistic integrity. Both outlets provided detailed accounts of the events, including statements from officials like New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella, who emphasized the illegal nature of the calls and the ongoing investigation (AP News, NPR).

Moreover, the political consultant behind the calls, Steve Kramer, has publicly admitted to commissioning the robocalls, which adds a layer of accountability to the claims made (NPR). The involvement of law enforcement and regulatory bodies like the FCC further underscores the seriousness of the situation and the veracity of the claims regarding voter suppression.

Conclusion

The claim that robocalls urged voters to skip the primary election is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that these calls were made with the intent to mislead voters about the importance of participating in the primary election. The use of AI to create a deepfake of President Biden's voice for this purpose raises significant concerns about election integrity and the potential for disinformation in future elections.

Fact Check: Robocalls urged voters to skip the primary election.