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Voter disinformation efforts are on the rise ahead of the midterms, and social media is rife with election-related falsehoods. The trend can have a distinct effect on Latino communities and Spanish speakers, with social media platforms not doing enough to counteract misleading actors.
We’re taking action. We just launched a campaign combating false election narratives — focusing on states where Latino voters are being targeted with toxic disinformation.
How are we reaching Latino voters? For months, our analysts and our Brennan en español team have been tracking the spread of election-related misinformation on social media. We identified audiences who had significant exposure to false and toxic messages and which communities would be most receptive to counter-messaging.
We analyzed both English- and Spanish-language content across social media sites to pinpoint the harmful narratives voters were encountering over and over again. Next, we conducted an array of message tests to determine what counter-messaging would increase trust in elections and encourage voter participation. With this information in hand, we launched a voter education campaign equipping Latino communities with the information they need to participate in democracy.
As we’re debunking disinformation, we’re asking supporters to get informed and share what they’ve learned. Will you join us?
By reaching key audiences with these important messages, we can counteract efforts to decrease trust in elections. The Brennan Center is fighting for every eligible voter to participate in the midterms and beyond. We’re tracking restrictive voting laws, calling on Congress for more protections for local election workers, developing resources for poll workers, and exposing power grabs that put future elections at risk.
Election disinformation poses a clear threat to our democracy. Help us fight the surge of falsehoods by sharing this content with friends and family, checking your registration and any ID requirements, and making a plan to vote on or before November 8.
