Combating Election Disinformation

Lies surrounding elections are not a new concept: in fact, only a minority of countries in the world experience free and fair elections. However, in the United States, lies surrounding elections became a central talking point after Donald Trump’s attempt to undermine the results of the 2020 general election. Journalists covering American politics found themselves up against something they weren’t expecting: lies by both official and unofficial sources.

Since the playbook for lying about elections is in full play around the world, journalists have the luxury of having a clear strategy already carved out for them when reporting on election falsehoods. 

Here are some of the strongest recommendations.

MEDIA MUST SERVE THE PUBLIC INTEREST, NOT POLITICIANS

The job of the media is to tell the truth, regardless of their own personal views. Fact checking each and every claim is tantamount, regardless of the journalist’s own personal feelings about the candidate making them. It is important to report each inconsistency to the public and allow them to make their own decisions about the candidate. Websites such as Politifact will not only fact-check, but will also check for embellishments and rank just “how true” a politicians’ claim is.

ACQUIRE SEVERAL SOURCES AND MAKE THEM AVAILABLE

The “Big Lie” about Trump’s “stolen election” began while votes were still being counted. As this happened, droves of people showed up to try and get the states to “stop the count,” as they wanted the results to show that Trump had already won. Several news sources omitted the validity of mail-in votes and did not report on the reasons why votes were still being counted, effectively validating the lie. However, multiple resources are available that invalidate this lie, in particular data from voters, polls, voting machines, and other sources. Data in any free and fair election is publicly available, and journalists should seek to amplify that availability.

GIVE PEOPLE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Several states have passed laws making it harder to vote or to qualify to vote. However, resources are available that will walk people through exactly how to make sure they are able to vote in their state. While that information is available, it’s important to amplify it. It is also important to amplify the things that are forbidden by state or federal law regarding the voting process, so that voters know their rights if someone or something attempts to interfere with them casting their vote. If voter suppression tactics are in full swing or if private citizens are attempting to influence the vote, both reporting on that and giving participants the information with which to fight back is the best step. 

CALL OUT THE LIES SPECIFICALLY

It can be really confusing to know what to believe with so many sources pouring in from all sides and very little regulation on what is and is not allowed to be shared via social media. In order to reduce confusion, specifically name the lies or commonly believed disinformation and pair it against the truth. This will help people understand the truth in simpler terms and be able to make better informed decisions about their vote and about the consequences of the election on a greater scale.

Election disinformation is scary because it can be confusing to even a journalist. It is important to cull from official resources and continually report the truth even when it is hidden behind angry citizens, politicians, or paywalls. Our role is to make sure everybody has equal access to the correct information and the things they need to know to make their own decisions.