Election Disinformation and Misinformation: A Critical Resource

Real-world examples contextualize how disinformation and misinformation have been used to influence elections. By studying these cases, we can learn how false information spreads, its impact on voter behavior, and how to counter these tactics.

The 2016 U.S. election is one of the most infamous examples of disinformation influencing voter perceptions and outcomes. Disinformation campaigns targeted social media platforms, seeking to manipulate political opinion and sow discord.

Key Tactics:

• Foreign Interference: Russian-operated groups, like the Internet Research Agency, created fake social media accounts to spread false information about candidates and political issues.
• Bots and Trolls: Automated bots amplified false stories, while coordinated troll accounts engaged in conversations to mislead and confuse voters.
• Targeted Ads: Disinformation campaigns targeted specific groups of voters with misleading ads, particularly on Facebook, amplifying divisive issues to increase polarization.

Impact:

This election highlighted the vulnerability of social media platforms to manipulation and led to widespread discussions about regulation and transparency in online political advertising.

The United Kingdom's Brexit referendum saw significant levels of misinformation, particularly regarding immigration and economic forecasts. Both sides of the debate engaged in spreading exaggerated or false claims.

Key Tactics:

• Exaggerated Economic Claims: The "Leave" campaign famously claimed that the UK sent £350 million per week to the EU, suggesting the money could be redirected to the National Health Service (NHS). This figure was widely disputed and later debunked.
• Misleading Statistics: Statistics on immigration were distorted to inflame fears about EU migration, contributing to a narrative that played on anxieties around national identity.
• Simplified Narratives: Complex issues like trade agreements and the long-term impact of leaving the EU were oversimplified in slogans, leaving voters misinformed about the real consequences.

Impact:

The referendum outcome was shaped, in part, by these misleading narratives, which stoked public fears and confusion. This case remains a prime example of how misinformation can influence major political decisions.

The 2020 U.S. election saw an unprecedented amount of disinformation, much of it centered around mail-in voting and election integrity. Claims of widespread voter fraud were repeatedly debunked but persisted, causing confusion and distrust in the electoral process.

Key Tactics:

• False Claims of Voter Fraud: Disinformation campaigns, including prominent voices on social media, spread baseless claims of fraud, especially regarding mail-in ballots.
• Deepfake Videos: Some videos, altered to appear as if candidates were saying things they hadn’t, were circulated to damage reputations.
• Misinformation About Voting Processes: False information about polling locations, voting deadlines, and how to cast mail-in ballots led to confusion, particularly among first-time voters.

Impact:

Despite multiple fact-checks and official recounts, disinformation led to widespread distrust in the election results. This culminated in challenges to the legitimacy of the election and violence on January 6, 2021.