The importance of accurate information in elections
By Nicolás Blanco, Communications Associate
As we get closer to the 2024 general election on November 5th, many of us have been receiving an avalanche of political literature in our mailbox and exposed to a myriad of ads in our social media, streaming services, television and radio. Aimed at influencing our decisions at the polls, sometimes the information they carry may need that we dig deeper in their trustworthiness.
Whether we are voting early or in person, the importance of accurate information in shaping the outcome of these critical decisions cannot be overstated. Elections are at the core of our democratic process, providing every eligible citizen the power to have a say in how they are governed. However, this power only holds value when voters have accurate, reliable information to make our decisions.
Why Accurate Information Matters?
Our choices in the voting booth affect every aspect of our lives —from the economy and healthcare to immigration and climate change. As voters, we need clear, truthful information to understand the policies and positions of candidates, ensuring that our vote aligns with their values and interests.
This goes beyond the federal election, which usually gets the most media coverage. Local elections often have an even more direct impact on our daily lives, profoundly affecting our communities — from school funding to housing laws, and much more. Unfortunately, voters may have access to less information related to local elections, leaving them more susceptible to misinformation. When misinformation sways these elections, the consequences can be more immediate and personal. When misinformation sways these elections, the consequences can be more immediate and personal. Democracy thrives on active and informed participation, but misinformation undermines this foundation by skewing public perception, manipulating emotions, and ultimately leading to decisions that do not reflect the people's voice. When misinformation spreads, it distorts the democratic process and erodes trust in the system.
What can we do?
At Poder Latinx, educating voters is an essential part of their participation in the election process. This election cycle has shown that misinformation is a significant threat, but it also disproportionately impacts the Latino community, which is a decisive voting bloc and an important political force.
Because many Latinos rely on social media -a powerful tool for connecting and mobilizing communities- as their primary source of political news, it has become a breeding ground for misinformation. The spread of false information on these platforms can easily mislead voters and potentially dissuade them from heading to the polls.
To counteract this, we have added important voter education tools to our webpage -also available in its mobile version- to help voters be informed ahead of the crucial election on November 5th. Voters can visit www.poderlatinx.org/vota to access various content, from verifying their voter registration information, finding out where their closest polling place is, and using our ballot tool to learn who the candidates are for their state and county and what ballot measures they will be considering at the polls.
The Latino community also faces language barriers to access accurate information. To help Spanish-speaking voters, Poder Latinx has also added a non-partisan voting guide that provides general information on what the candidates stand for on key issues that matters to all of us. This tool is also available in English.
But there is more that we can do. The fight against misinformation requires a collective effort. Here are additional ways in which we can help ensure accurate information prevails in our elections:
Verify Sources: Always check the source's credibility before sharing political information. Rely on established, reputable news organizations and be wary of sensational headlines or unverified claims.
Educate and Engage: Talk to friends, family, and community members about the importance of voting and how to find reliable information. Help others understand the impact of their vote, especially in local elections.
Support Fact-Checking: Promote and support organizations dedicated to fact-checking and debunking false information, especially those focused on Latino communities and other vulnerable groups.
Accurate information is essential to a healthy democracy. By staying informed and vigilant, we can ensure that every vote reflects our communities' voices, safeguarding our democracy for future generations. Let’s work together to combat misinformation and empower every voter with the truth they need to make their voices heard.