OSKALOOSA — It has come to the attention of the Mahaska County Auditor’s Office and the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office that a few Mahaska County residents have received telephone calls originating from the state of New York. During these telephone calls, the caller begins asking questions about the upcoming general election on Nov. 8, including the resident’s request for an absentee ballot. As these calls continue, the caller tells the resident they can register their absentee ballot vote over the phone, and there is no need to return it to the Mahaska County Auditor’s Office.

These calls have been reported to Iowa Secretary of State’s office. It is believed that these calls may be part of an election fraud scheme. All residents of Mahaska County are reminded that they are required to complete and return their absentee ballots to the Mahaska County Auditor’s Office for their votes to count. Any citizens who receive these type of voter solicitation calls should contact the Mahaska County auditor at 641-673-7148 or the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office at 641-673-0347.