Insights on Election Rumors and Disinformation

During the 2024 U.S. election cycle, researchers observed a continuation of disinformation patterns reminiscent of previous cycles, particularly surrounding election administration rumors. Rumors about voting processes, such as claims regarding ballot print errors and tampering with voting machines, were prevalent. However, the resolution of these rumors occurred relatively quickly, especially among the political right, largely due to the favorable outcome of the election for Donald Trump supporters. In contrast, after the election, the political left engaged in conspiracy theorizing to explain unexpected losses, although this did not gain the same traction or infrastructure for dissemination as seen on the right.