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Voicemail telling Iowans not to vote reported to FBI as possible voter intimidation

The matter has been referred to the FBI and the Iowa Department of Public Safety, according to a spokesperson with the Iowa Secretary of State's Office.

State and federal investigators are looking into a report of possible voter intimidation.

Kevin Hall, spokesman for the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office, said their office received a report a voicemail was left on someone’s phone telling them to “stay safe and stay home”.

Hall said their office referred the matter to the FBI and the State Fusion Center.

The Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center is a division of the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

"Voter intimidation is not to be accepted in any form," Pate told Local 5 Tuesday. "If people are ware of it, they should bring it to the auditor's attention or our office's attention so that we can have law enforcement take care of it."

According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s website, the Intelligence and Fusion Center was created after 9/11 to address information gaps, and focuses on detecting, preventing, apprehending and responding to criminal and/or terroristic activity.

"The Division of Intelligence & Fusion Center can confirm that an Iowa resident had received a computerized call intended to disrupt the public’s confidence in the election process with in the last couple of days," Division of Intelligence & Fusion Center Assistant Director Patrick Waymire said in a statement.

"We are working with local, state and federal law enforcement partners on this issue, and will continue to monitor and assess these and any other threats from foreign or domestic adversaries."

Local 5 has reached out to the FBI and the Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center and are waiting to hear back. 

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