The Oregon Secretary of State's Elections Division said Thursday it is closing phone lines due to the system being "overwhelmed" with out-of-state callers responding to false claims on social media.
The office stated in a press release that the influx of calls are about alleged election interference because former President Donald Trump is not listed on Oregon's voter pamphlet.
Trump did not submit a statement for the pamphlets. His name is listed on ballots that were mailed this week.
Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade said the shutdown will delay help to Oregonians reaching out to the office.
"Some individuals operating in bad faith are misleading people online," she said. "Spreading rumors and false claims of election interference does nothing to help Oregonians."
The elections office noted in the release that it is against Oregon law to "harass or threaten an election worker while they are working or because they did their job."
The Secretary of State's Office did not indicate when the phones would be turned back on.
Oregonians looking for assistance can reach the office by leaving a voicemail, sending an email to [email protected] or online at OregonVotes.gov.
This story will be updated.
Anastasia Mason covers state government for the Statesman Journal. Reach her at [email protected] or 971-208-5615.