Election misinformation often begins with something real placed in the wrong context: an old notice, a genuine result from another contest, or a video with a new caption. Before sharing, identify the precise claim and find the evidence that would confirm or contradict it.
Turn the message into a checkable claim
Write down what is alleged to have happened, where, when and to whom. “The election has changed” is too broad. “INEC moved this named contest from one date to another” gives you an institution, event and document to check.
Look for the original source rather than relying on the number of accounts repeating the message. Ten reposts of the same screenshot remain one unsupported source. A familiar logo, urgent tone or verified social account does not replace the underlying evidence.
Check notices against the right official record
For an election date, start with INEC's calendar and the dated notice for that contest. For party registration, use the registered-party directory. For a local operational question, use the appropriate official state-office contact. Reach these services through INEC's official website and check the complete notice before acting.
Inspect the date of issue, election name, geographical scope and any later amendment. A notice about a bye-election should not be presented as a nationwide instruction. A real document can be stale, superseded or irrelevant to the reader's area.
- Record the exact title and date of the notice.
- Read beyond the cropped heading or highlighted sentence.
- Check whether a newer notice changes the instruction.
- Save the original link with the time you checked it.
Verify images, recordings and result graphics
Search for earlier appearances of a photograph or a distinctive sentence. Compare visible landmarks, weather, signs and language with the claimed location. For a speech, find a longer recording or transcript so the surrounding context is available.
For result material, establish the office, date, reporting level and location code. A screenshot can omit the label that explains the entire figure. Compare it with the original record where available, and keep unreadable parts marked as unreadable. Appearance alone is not a reliable way to decide that a video was generated or altered.
Use evidence labels that fit what you know
“Confirmed” needs evidence that supports the specific claim. “False” needs evidence that contradicts it. “Unverified” means the available evidence does not settle it. A missing official response is not automatic proof of either truth or falsehood.
If accounts conflict, explain the conflict and identify the missing evidence. Avoid repeating a dramatic allegation in a headline while hiding the uncertainty underneath. The same care should apply whether the claim helps or harms a party you favour.
Correct a share where people saw it
If you shared an inaccurate claim, return to the same conversation or post with a clear correction and the source. State what was wrong and what the evidence now shows. Avoid forwarding the original graphic again without a prominent correction; that can give it a second life.
For reports of immediate danger, prioritise your safety and appropriate local emergency reporting. Verification should not require entering a confrontation or exposing the identities of vulnerable witnesses.
Frequently asked questions
Does no official statement mean a claim is false?
No. It may remain unverified. Look for direct evidence and describe the uncertainty rather than treating silence as a verdict.
What is the quickest useful check on a forwarded notice?
Check its issue date, named election, location and original official link. Then look for a later amendment before acting on it.
