Rumors and disinformation

Don’t forget to check relevant contingency plans that may already be in place!

• Use clear headlines and short sentences written in plain language.
• Remind voters of their voting rights and the measures in place to make voting safe and secure. Share specifics about how you keep polling locations safe.
• Reduce fear and uncertainty by explaining why your polling place is safe, what laws your state has in place to protect voters, and that there are consequences for voter interference.
• Repeat the facts, not the myth. Mentioning the myth can cause it to spread further, which might cause voters who aren’t at risk to avoid voting entirely.
• Encourage voters to fact-check. Provide links to other trustworthy sources, encourage verification before sharing, and provide a place to report suspicious activity.

Use a tone that is:

• Calm: Choose words that are clear and factual rather than emotional.
• Trustworthy: Establish your authority as a local election official and reference state guidance.
• Accurate: Share election facts and trusted sources consistently.

• Show voters how to fact-check information and spot false information so they are prepared if it happens.
• Explain that election officials are a primary source of truth for voting information.
• Make it easy to find election information on your website and other channels so voters have access to trusted resources.

• Center for Civic Design
  • ID & Go Toolkit: Communicating with voters in states with special mail ballot drop off options
• The Elections Group
  • Confident Voices in Critical Times: A Crisis Communications Toolkit for Before, During and After a Critical Elections Incident
  • Communications Plan
  • Writing an Election Facts Webpage
• National Vote at Home Institute
  • Signed, Sealed, Secure: Delivering the Facts about Mail Ballots
• U.S. Alliance for Election Excellence
  • Checklist for Combating Election Misinformation
  • Communicating Trusted Election Information series
• U.S. Election Assistance Commission
  • Media and Public Relations Quick Start Guide

Non-social media messaging ideas

• Start sharing false information and fact-checking tips across multiple channels, like flyers, posters, or email newsletters.
• Work with a local radio or TV station to produce a short PSA about false election information.
• Meet with trusted community organizations and share your plans to address rumors and false information.