Robocalls that Chicago election officials blamed for the no-show of 2,000 election judges this week were recorded by people helping Cook County Republicans recruit poll workers.
According to recordings of the calls, one falsely says that Republican-recruited judges must vote Republican. Another incorrectly tells them they were required to report for additional training.
But Cook County GOP chairman says the calls were not sanctioned by the party.
Chicago election officials have referred the issue to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, which has begun an investigation. No charges have been filed.
The calls were brought to the public’s attention by city officials who labeled them “intimidation” and linked them to the higher than usual absentee rate of judges.