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Smooth Election, but Disinformation Concerns Remain
A relatively smooth presidential election was overshadowed by a significant amount of misinformation and foreign interference attempts.
English
United States
PoliticsUs PoliticsElectionDemocracyMisinformationForeign Interference
FbiCenter For Election Innovation And ResearchPartnership For Large Election JurisdictionsAtlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research LabNational Association Of Secretaries Of State
Donald TrumpKamala HarrisTim WalzBrian TaylorEmerson Brooking
- What role did foreign countries play in the election?
- Russia, Iran, and China engaged in disinformation campaigns to erode confidence in election security and American democracy, employing tactics such as fake social media accounts and websites. Russia's efforts were particularly audacious, including the creation of smear videos and payments to a US media company.
- How did election officials respond to the bomb threats?
- Bomb threats in five battleground states forced temporary evacuations of some polling places, but election officials were well-prepared and handled the situation effectively.
- What were the major challenges to the presidential election?
- The presidential election was relatively trouble-free, with high voter turnout and wide margins, easing concerns about election security. However, a significant challenge was the flood of misinformation aimed at undermining trust in the voting process.
- What are the concerns and hopes regarding future elections and voting procedures?
- While the election proceeded smoothly, concerns remain about the ongoing efforts of foreign actors to spread disinformation and undermine faith in the electoral system. Voting rights groups hope the success of the election will temper calls for restrictive voting changes.
- What is the long-term strategy of foreign adversaries concerning the US election?
- Experts warn that foreign adversaries are playing a long game, using disinformation to undermine American confidence and gradually diminish US power. They point to Russia's preference for a Trump presidency as evidence of this strategy.