Chairman of FL Republican Party Gets Phony Voter Eligibility Letter as FBI Investigates Spreading Hoax

A sign directing voters to a polling place is seen during the first day of early voting October 22, 2012 in Washington, DC. Citizens of the District of Columbia began early voting today for the November 6th elections which will include the 2012 US Presidential election. (Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

TAMPA, Fla. (TheBlaze/AP) -- The FBI is joining an investigation into bogus letters sent to many Florida voters, including the Republican Party of Florida chairman, that raise questions about their eligibility to cast ballots.

Tampa FBI chief Steven E. Ibison said Wednesday the FBI will focus on letters received by voters in 18 counties in central and southwest Florida. State authorities have received reports of letters in at least 23 counties.

The letters claim to be from county supervisors of elections but were all postmarked from Seattle. They raise questions about the voter's citizenship and appear intended to intimidate people.

Florida Republican Party Chairman Lenny Curry claims he received one of the letters as well. He released the following statement:

"This type of activity is not only disgusting, it is criminal, and must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law...I call on Florida Democrats to join me in condemning this false letter writing campaign that appears to target likely voters in Florida, and help RPOF get the word out about this false campaign."

Ibison says voters who get a letter should first contact their local election supervisor to see if it's authentic. If not, voters should keep the letter and contact the FBI.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has also opened an investigation.