Graphic for CDT's Elections & Democracy work. Light blue gradient background, with a white and light and dark blue colored ballot box – and a ballot with a digitized trail.

Election Disinfo

Disinformation about elections long predates the internet. But bad actors use the internet to spread falsehoods at a pace and scale that is unprecedented, including by taking advantage of micro-targeting and algorithmic amplification tools on social media. In a matter of minutes, rumors and intentionally misleading material can influence millions of people. Understanding the spread and impact of election disinformation requires an examination of how people get information online and how trusted officials can get their message out. CDT pursues policies and company practices that reduce the spread of election disinformation online while still preserving users’ fundamental rights to free expression.

PSA: Misinfo & Disinfo – Building a More Informed Public

CDT works to combat misinformation and disinformation, particularly as it impacts elections, targets marginalized communities, and engages in voter suppression.

Watch PSA

A still from an animated PSA by CDT, discussing how to build up trust in the face of election misinformation & disinformation. On top of an outline of the continental United States, a collection of growing and changing red and blue circles represent conversations happening across the country. A magnifying glass looks closer at a potential source of mis- / disinfo.

Online Voter Suppression: How to Spot & Counter

This short guide focuses on how to spot content on social media that can suppress voter participation, as well as how election officials can anticipate and counter election misinformation that could suppress voter participation in their jurisdiction.

Read Report

Cover of a CDT report, entitled "Online Voter Suppression: A Guide for Election Officials on How to Spot & Counter." Muted pink background, text in shades of blue and white. The outlines of the letters in the word "suppression" radiate outward, as if to act contrary to the word's meaning.

Recent Content

Graphic for CDT's Elections & Democracy work. Blue background, with "Elections and Democracy" in white and dark blue text, with a similar-colored ballot box – and a ballot with a digitized trail. Small black CDT logo.

Misinformation Doesn’t Stop When Polls Close: 3 Things to Watch after Election Day

Graphic for a CDT and University of Pittsburgh report, entitled "Hated More: Online Violence Targeting Women of Color Candidates in the 2024 US Election." Black text on a light grey background.

Report – Hated More: Online Violence Targeting Women of Color Candidates in the 2024 US Election

CDT report, entitled "Rules of the Road: Political Advertising on Social Media in the 2024 U.S. Election." White document on a grey background.

Report — Rules of the Road: Political Advertising on Social Media in the 2024 U.S. Election

Graphic for CDT's Elections & Democracy work. White background, with "Elections and Democracy" in light and dark blue text, with a similar-colored ballot box – and a ballot with a digitized trail. Small black CDT logo.

Helping Election Officials Combat Misinformation in 2024: An Updated Course from CDT and CTCL

CDT Brief, entitled "Election Integrity Recommendations for Generative AI Developers." White and blue document on a grey background.

Brief – Election Integrity Recommendations for Generative AI Developers

White document on black background.

CDT Joins Letter Calling for Meta to Maintain its CrowdTangle Tool Through the Upcoming Election Cycle

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