Mishaps, distrust spur Election Day misinformation

By DAVID KLEPPER
Associated Press

Election machine mishaps and delays in vote counting became the latest fodder for political misinformation on Election Day. News of problems with vote tabulating machines in Arizona spurred baseless conspiracy theories about vote rigging, while the near certainty that many races won’t be decided on Election Day led to misleading allegations of fraud. Disinformation researchers say the false claims are likely to stick around and further erode faith in U.S. elections. While voters faced a wave of misinformation about voting and elections this year, the experts say misinformation ahead of the 2024 presidential election is likely to be even worse.