US mid-term elections: Misinformation, conspiracy theories on the rise

Claims about the security of mail ballots have grown in recent weeks, as have baseless rumours about non-citizens voting

Conspiracy theories about mail ballots. Anonymous text messages warning voters to stay home. Fringe social media platforms where election misinformation spreads with impunity.

Misinformation about the upcoming mid-term elections has been building for months, challenging election officials and tech companies, while offering another reminder of how conspiracy theories and distrust are shaping America’s politics.

A look at key misinformation challenges heading into the 2022 election:

MISLEADING CLAIMS ABOUT VOTING

Political misinformation often focuses on immigration, crime, public health, geopolitics, disasters, education or mass shootings. This year, it’s mostly about voting.

Claims about the security of mail ballots have grown in recent weeks, as have baseless