BY the time this story is published, America would have chosen a new president.
And if historian Prof. Allan Lichtman is to be believed, Kamala Harris will become the next president of the United States of America.
Litchtman’s “algorithm” called the “The Keys to the White House,” is a simplistic sounding system of 13 questions, answerable by true or false. This statistical evaluation tests the incumbent party’s stance and performance on key issues–the economy, domestic politics, and foreign policy to determine who he believes will win the presidency. It has been correct 9 out of 10 presidential elections.
Now as the United States concludes its election cycle, and the nation waits for the final vote counts, the political tensions remain high, as this election is marked by unprecedented scrutiny from both the Democrats and the Republicans.
Vote counting is expected to extend for several days post-election, particularly as mail-in ballots are processed and verified. Trump’s allies in the media and his supporters on social media are already framing these necessary delays as suspicious, suggesting that late-arriving ballots are a result of fraudulent manipulation. The narrative disregards the realities of manually processing absentee voting and the whole mail-in processes, which have been integral to U.S. elections for decades.
A potential loss for the former president, also indicted for the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol in Washington, could signal the onset of a disinformation campaign aimed at undermining the election results. He has repeatedly insisted that the only way he could lose is through fraud.
Beyond these accusations, Trump is expected to claim that specific groups—such as election officials and Democratic operatives—were complicit in denying him victory. His rhetoric may include threats to jail public officials involved in vote counting or certification, heightening an atmosphere of fear and distrust.
This campaign will depend so very much of digital platforms.
With his large social media following, the former president has the potential to reach millions with his claims of fraud and conspiracy, spreading these narratives widely. His statements will likely be amplified by allies and sympathetic media outlets.
Experts in digital activism have been gearing up to counteract misinformation and keep the electorate informed, a crucial effort in maintaining peace and confidence in the electoral system.
Platforms like X, Facebook, and YouTube allow users to report misleading content, but these tools are only effective when used widely. Digital activists can organize campaigns to encourage people to report dubious claims and accounts that spread misinformation. Some activists are leveraging AI tools to monitor social media for misinformation keywords, flagging content that could be harmful or misleading.
Trump has signaled to his supporters to be prepared to defend his claims. If mobilized, they could protest at ballot-counting sites or other public locations, creating a volatile atmosphere that could escalate into civil unrest.
As disinformation spreads, digital activism can act as a frontline defense against the erosion of truth. Digital activists are already preparing for this anticipated wave of misinformation, focusing on several key tactics to counteract and prevent misinformation from undermining trust in the election.
Fact-checking organizations such as PolitiFact, Snopes, and FactCheck.org have become essential in today’s information ecosystem, and they are working in real-time to debunk false claims. Digital activists can help by amplifying these fact-checked responses through social media, providing clarity as misinformation surfaces. Shareable infographics, videos, and other easily digestible content can help spread the truth and counteract sensationalized misinformation.
A key aspect of digital activism is promoting media literacy, helping the public to distinguish credible news sources from unreliable ones. Educating people on why delays in vote counting are not indicative of fraud can prevent hasty judgments and fears. Through infographics, short videos, and guides, activists can clarify why mail-in ballots take longer to count and explain how these processes safeguard democracy, not undermine it.
Influencers, local leaders, and even celebrities can have a significant impact by speaking out against misinformation. Digital activists often work with trusted figures to relay fact-based information, reaching audiences who may otherwise be skeptical of mainstream news sources.
Activists will use the very same digital platforms to launch awareness campaigns. Combating disinformation requires a proactive approach to ensure that accurate information reaches the public swiftly and broadly. By setting the stage for a transparent discussion, activists can mitigate the shock and doubt that disinformation seeks to exploit.
