2022 Midterm Elections: Unpacking False and Misleading Narratives

[Nevilledog]

https://www.adl.org/resources/blog/2022-midterm-elections-unpacking-false-and-misleading-narratives

The 2022 U.S. midterm elections stirred up false narratives about secret and powerful entities committing widespread election fraud. These included old and new theories – and sometimes a combination of the two. Ten days after election day, their impact continues to be felt.

On Saturday, November 12, protesters gathered at the elections office in Maricopa County, Arizona for what they called the “Patriots Rise Up” rally. Protesters, angry about ongoing ballot counting in the Arizona gubernatorial race, included at least one member of the anti-government group, Boogaloo Boys. Although protesters eventually left without incident, the goal of the rally was to “stop” election officials from “stealing” the election.

Among false and misleading narratives that surrounded the midterm elections:

FALSE NARRATIVE 1: Long lines at polling places were a deliberate ploy to dissuade voters from casting in-person ballots

When some machines malfunctioned on election day, conspiracy theorists and election fraud promoters claimed the “issues” were evidence of attempted interference. Popular election fraud promoter Seth Keshel posted on Telegram and Truth Social that the errors were "deliberately staged” in order to create longer lines that would discourage people from voting.

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