US official says Iran, Russia trying to interfere in election

Published Thu, Oct 22, 2020 · 09:50 PM

Washington

A TOP US intelligence official warned that Iran and Russia are attempting to interfere with the presidential election, with Iran already spreading false information to American voters.

"We have confirmed that some voter registration information has been obtained by Iran, and separately by Russia," director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said at a hastily called news conference on Wednesday evening in Washington. "This data can be used by foreign actors to attempt to convey misinformation." "We ask every American to do their part to defend against those who wish us harm," he added. "Do not allow these efforts to have their intended effect."

The voter information obtained was publicly available, and no hacking was involved, according to a US official who asked not to be identified discussing the sensitive matter. Iran has been sending threatening e-mails to Democratic voters that purport to be from the right-wing Proud Boy…