Combating Misinformation

Mis- and Disinformation

Mis- and disinformation are widespread in elections, especially during federal election cycles. Misinformation may consist of false rumors and misconceptions about elections, while disinformation could be targeted messages spread to purposely mislead voters.

Voters should look to trusted sources of information about elections, including the State Board of Elections and county boards of elections. The State Board works diligently to combat misinformation through social media, press releases, a newsletter, mailings and this webpage. With this webpage, we strive to:

• Highlight State Board efforts to combat mis- and disinformation
• Debunk common myths and falsehoods about elections
• Explain how voters can help fight against and reduce misinformation

Actions Taken Against Misinformation

In North Carolina, state and county election officials work hard every day to improve processes and increase election security to promote voter confidence. We endeavor to educate the public about election processes and security by providing trusted and vetted information.

Mythbusting

Misinformation can lead to confusion and erode the public’s trust in elections. We aim to educate and serve as a trusted source of election information through our social media posts. View an example from our “Mythbuster Monday” series with image text below.

Feb. 8, 2021

Reality: NC registrants weren’t required to provide their date of birth until the 90s. As a result, election officials would issue a temporary placeholder when the birth date was unknown (1/1/1900 or 1/1/1901.)

Rumor: Votes are fraudulently being cast by 120-year-olds.

Visit our Mythbuster Archive for more. For trusted election information, follow the North Carolina State Board of Elections on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

To stay in the loop on recent press releases, election news, upcoming election dates, and deadlines, subscribe to our e-newsletter, Election Connection.

How We Ensure Your Vote Counts

Learn the facts on how elections are secured. For more, go to the Election Security page.

Confirming Reality

We communicate the truth as promptly as possible whenever we learn of widespread misconceptions or misinformation.

What You Can Do

Think Before You Link

When sharing posts, use trusted sources such as the State Board of Elections or your county board of elections. Bad actors and foreign adversaries create fake websites and social media posts that look legitimate. Before sharing, research the source and confirm the accuracy of the information.

Learn how to spot inauthentic content, which is a common technique that disinformation actors use to spread misinformation and malinformation. Download Tools of Disinformation: Inauthentic Content (PDF), a fact sheet from the federal Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Listen to Trusted Sources

Make the State Board of Elections or your county board of elections your first choice for accurate election information. Questions? Contact the State Board or your county board of elections.

Stop the Spread of Misinformation

When seeking out election news, you can help slow the spread of misinformation. When reading, listening, or watching:

• Research the source or outlet (Search online for “media bias chart” to gather general information on political leanings of news sources.)
• Use nationally reputable sources
• Think critically about the information
• Seek balance in the viewpoints you’re consuming
• View the opinion section on sites as just that — opinion

Know Your News Sources

During election cycles, many outlets — both reputable and non-reputable — share elections-related information. Take the following steps to ensure you’re receiving news from a trusted source:

• Research the author to ensure they’re a real person
• Check the date to ensure it is recent
• Make sure the content matches the headline
• Consider whether arguments are supported by facts and research
• Check to see if any other news sources are reporting the information
• Check the author’s sources
• Check the site’s sponsors

For more information, download CISA’s fact sheet: Question the Source (PDF).

Report Misinformation on Social Media

If the information you encounter on social media is false, offensive or harmful, report it.

Report Misinformation to the State Board

See something about elections that’s confusing, sensationalistic or decreases your confidence in elections? It might be mis- or disinformation. The State Board of Elections would like to hear about it. You can email us at misinformation@ncsbe.gov. We will research the claims or posts and respond accordingly.

If the misinformation is about election processes or administration, the State Board may report it to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for further action. If it's on a social media platform, the State Board may report it to that platform.

Learn More on the Topic of Mis- and Disinformation

Inform yourself of the facts with more online resources from trusted institutions below.