Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has issued a cease and desist letter after voters were threatened by a group that does not officially exist.
WJLA reported last week that voters began seeing threatening flyers that warned they could lose Social Security or Medicaid because they failed to vote.
The flyers were purportedly distributed by "Virginia Voter Assistance," which did not appear to exist.
"According to government records, one or more residents at this address has failed to vote in recent elections. Failure to vote may result in a loss of Social Security Income, Medicare eligibility, unemployment benefits, child tax credits, child custody rights, and concealed carry permits," one flyer said, according to WJLA.
In the cease and desist letter this week, Miyares pointed out that the flyers had "statements that are intimidating or threatening to voters."
"These statements are patently false and can serve no other purpose than to intimidate, threaten or coerce a potential voter," the letter said. "We ask that you immediately cease and desist from distributing any materials that contain such intimidating, threatening or coercive information."
Criminal penalties could be imposed if the flyers continue to be distributed, Miyares said.
The flyers were said to have been distributed in Loudoun, Prince William, and Fauquier counties. But the cease and desist letter applies to all of Virginia.
"Virginia Voter Assistance" was given three days to respond to the letter.
