Fraudulent phone calls are targeting a handful of voters in Kosciusko County and the results could change a political race.

Kosciusko County Democratic Chairman Terry Bartley tells Stacey Page that he has received calls from three registered Democratic voters who, in the past, have cast absentee ballots. According to Bartley, those individuals were told they do not need to order an absentee ballot this year.

“That’s not true!” Bartley insists, saying he is unsure if the targets of the phone calls are only Democrats or if the company is contacting random voters.

The three people who have reported these calls to Bartley say they received the call from a company noted only as Marketing Research. Calls placed to the company’s phone number – 219-697-3684 – is answered by a recorded message that says, “You have been contacted for marketing research or a sales call” then hangs up.

The purpose of those phone calls to voters, says Bartley, appears to be for the sole purpose of losing votes. “It could have an affect in a close election,” he explains. “I don’t know who’s behind it and if only Democrats are being targeted, but people need to know it’s not true.”

Those wishing to cast absentee ballots for this year’s election must order a ballot from the Kosciusko County Clerk’s Office no later than Monday, Oct. 29. For more information, call the clerk’s office at 574-267-4444.

Absentee voting is now taking place in the clerk’s office, located on the main floor of the Kosciusko County Justice Building. Hours of voting are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The last day to cast an absentee ballot is noon Monday, Nov. 5.

Saturday voting hours will be 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 27 and Nov. 3.