By — Melissa Goldin, Associated Press Melissa Goldin, Associated Press By — Calvin Woodward, Associated Press Calvin Woodward, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/false-accusations-and-unverified-claims-quickly-spread-about-election-day-voting Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter False accusations and unverified claims quickly spread about Election Day voting Politics Nov 3, 2026 9:53 PM EST 2026 ELECTION COVERAGE: Watch Live | Poll Closing Times | All Live Results | Live Updates | Live Fact Check WASHINGTON (AP) — Election Day was barely underway before unverified rumors of voting irregularities surfaced online. One actual ballot-scanning breakdown, in Westchester County, New York, in particular gave rise to baseless theories about activities by Democrats or their allies to suppress Republican votes. But there was no indication that episode was engineered to disadvantage either party — "no shenanigans," said the Republican lawmaker seeking reelection there. In Fulton County, Georgia, officials said some voters reported receiving false texts about polling place changes that were not sent by the county. Election watchdogs said it was unclear who sent them and whether the texts were…
False accusations and unverified claims quickly spread about Election Day voting
In short
In Westchester County, New York, a software update caused a ballot scanner malfunction that forced workers to store paper ballots in emergency bags, generating unfounded claims of Democratic suppression. The rumors were dismissed by Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, who affirmed that ballots remained secure and would be counted properly. Meanwhile, local officials in Georgia investigated suspicious texts about polling places, and Minnesota authorities had to address false assumptions about a poll worker's Halloween costume.
Key points
- Technical malfunctions at polling locations were rapidly mischaracterized online as inten…: Technical malfunctions at polling locations were rapidly mischaracterized online as intentional partisan efforts to suppress voter turnout.
- Officials in Georgia were unable to immediately identify who sent unauthorized text messa…: Officials in Georgia were unable to immediately identify who sent unauthorized text messages directing voters to incorrect polling sites.
- Social media users misconstrued a Minnesota poll worker's Halloween shirt as an act of po…: Social media users misconstrued a Minnesota poll worker's Halloween shirt as an act of political hostility against a conservative activist.