How to Spot Online Disinfo — NC For The People

A Voter's Guide

HOW TO
SPOT
ONLINE
DISINFO

False election information spreads—especially around voting time. Use this guide to protect yourself and your community.

Inside This Guide
Types of Election Disinformation
Red Flags to Spot
How to Verify What You See
What to Do When You Find It
Where to Get Reliable Voter Info
DISINFORMATION IS A
VOTER SUPPRESSION TOOL.

During elections, false information spreads faster than almost any other time. Some of it is accidental. Some is deliberate. Either way, it can confuse voters, reduce trust, and discourage participation.

Spot It. Stop It.

Red Flags & Common Tactics

🚩 Red Flags Online

Creates Urgency — "ACT NOW OR YOU CAN'T VOTE"
Encourages Secrecy — "SHARE THIS BEFORE IT GETS DELETED"
Emotion over Facts — Fear, Outrage, Panic Language
No Clear Source — No Byline, Org, or Verifiable Link
Mislabeled Photos — Old Images as Breaking News
Single Source — No Other Accounts Confirming It

Common Tactics

Tactic Goal
Wrong Voting Date / Location Reduce Turnout
Claiming Widespread Fraud with No Evidence Undermine Confidence
Wrong Rules Targeting Specific Communities Suppress Participation
Impersonating Election Officials Online Spread False Instruction

Take Action

If You See Disinformation

1
Don't Share

Pause before amplifying unverified claims. Sharing is how disinformation spreads.

2
Report It

Report or flag the post on the platform where you saw it.

3
Share Corrections

Post verified information from official sources to replace the false claim.

4
Direct Others

Send family and friends to official election sites for accurate information.

More Types of Disinformation

Know What to Look For

🚫
Misleading Eligibility Claims
You can't vote because of unpaid tickets or minor legal issues.
Registering to vote will expose you to arrest or surveillance.
False statements about what ID you need to vote.
Verify Claims

Check your state election board for official eligibility guidance.

⚠️
Unverified Fraud Claims
Ballots are being "thrown away" without evidence.
Voting machines are "switching votes."
Election results are already decided before polls close.
Verify Claims

Extraordinary claims need multiple credible sources — be cautious.

🗳️
False Voting Information
Incorrect election dates or deadlines.
Wrong polling locations or hours.
Claims you can vote by text, email, or social media.
Verify Claims

Always confirm using your county or state election office website.

🎬
Manipulated Media
Edited videos of candidates or election officials.
Images from unrelated events labeled as election problems.
AI-generated content presented as real.
Verify Claims

Find the original source — are multiple trusted outlets reporting the same thing?

Before You Share

How to Verify What You See

01
Check the Source

Is it from a state board, county office, or trusted local news outlet?

02
Check the Date

Old posts recirculate as if they're current. Always check when it was published.

03
Check Multiple Sources

If only one unknown account is posting it, be cautious.

04
Check the Full Context

Short clips and screenshots often mislead. Find the full story.

Democracy + Voting Rights — North Carolina

Trusted Sources

NC State Board of Elections
ncsbe.gov
County Board of Elections
ncsbe.gov/find-county
NC Voter Resources
ncvoter.org
NC For The People
ncforthepeople.com
SMALL ACTIONS MATTER.

Every time you pause before sharing, report a misleading post, or point a neighbor to official election info — you're protecting your community's vote.

CHECK BEFORE
YOU SHARE.

NC For The People is committed to helping North Carolinians navigate election information safely. Share this guide with someone in your community today.