A Citizen’s Guide to Election Threats
Potential election threats, from disinformation to anticipated delays in vote counting to bad actors trying to sow chaos, make it essential for Americans to be prepared. Knowing what to expect —and what to do — at each stage will help you stay informed, keep calm, and protect the integrity of our democratic process. Here’s a guide to how every American can navigate the election before, during, and after Election Day.
Before the election: resources, rights, and reliable information
A lot of confusion and disinformation around our elections can be defeated by upping our literacy of our election systems. Each state has its own rules for voting, including deadlines for registration, absentee voting, and ballot submission. Verify these on your state’s official election website to ensure you know not only where and how to vote, but also how to communicate with others about election processes.
Nebraska resources
Election 2024 Central: Civic Nebraska’s clearinghouse of all things related to Nebraska elections.
National resources
Vote.gov: Official site for information on registering to vote, verifying registration, and checking voting rules by state.
Disinformation is a common tool used to undermine elections, so knowing where to find accurate, up-to-date information is critical in navigating a contentious election season. Follow reputable news sources and your state’s election office for official updates. Election-focused fact-checking services like Snopes or PolitiFact can help debunk disinformation that is almost certain to circulate before, during, and after Nov. 5.
Nebraska resources
Nebraska Secretary of State: Official results, rules, dates, and facts about Nebraska’s elections.
National resources
U.S. Election Assistance Commission: Federal source for election information, including security updates and voting processes.
ProPublica’s Electionland: A collaboration with local and national newsrooms to track and report real-time election issues.
Many attempts at disinformation will focus on casting doubt over the legitimacy of voting methods, such as mail-in ballots, or falsely claiming polling locations have moved. Verify any claim before acting on it or sharing it with others, especially if it sounds suspicious or lacks a credible source. This is the first general election with widespread access to artificial intelligence and “deepfakes,” meaning Americans must be extra skeptical of digital content alleging explosive claims.
Resources
FactCheck.org: An Annenberg Public Policy Center project that provides tools and insights for spotting election-related misinformation.
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): This agency offers resources for understanding misinformation, including its “Rumor Control” page, which debunks common myths.
How to spot a DeepFake: Countering misinformation and disinformation created by AI, from the MIT Media Lab
Many people may need assistance understanding the voting process or avoiding disinformation. Support friends, family, and community members by sharing only verified information, helping them make voting plans, and connecting them with official resources.
Additional resources
Civic Nebraska: Make a Plan to Vote
On Election Day: patient, informed, and vigilant
Whether you’re voting early via mail, early in person, or day-of in person (on Election Day), make sure your vote is counted. Stay in line if you’re there by closing time, and, if needed, report any issues to election officials or Civic Nebraska’s nonpartisan Voter Helpline (402-890-5291).
Nebraska resources
Check your early ballot’s progress, find your polling place, check your registration: The State of Nebraska’s voter information lookup page can ensure your status as a voter, track your ballot if you voted early via mail, and help get you to the right place if you vote in person.
Civic Nebraska’s nonpartisan Voter Helpline – 402-890-5291
Election Protection (866-OUR-VOTE): Nonpartisan hotline and resource for voters experiencing issues on Election Day.
Long lines or other delays may be frustrating, but be patient. Remember that every vote cast adds to the legitimacy of the final results, and delays are often normal. If you encounter voter intimidation or disruptive behavior, notify polling officials or Civic Nebraska’s Voter Helpline (402-890-5291) immediately.
Resources
Democracy Maps: Average wait times and polling place data, state-by-state
Election Assistance Commission (EAC): Guides on what to expect on Election Day, and standards for polling places regarding accessibility.
Claims about polling issues or results may be circulating even as people are voting. Take time to verify any election-related information through trusted sources, especially before sharing it with others.
Resources
MediaWise: Poynter’s initiative to teach digital media literacy and help individuals verify online claims before sharing.
Snopes: Fact-checking site that verifies (or debunks) viral claims and election-related rumors.
Election Day can bring a flood of “breaking news,” but not all of it will be accurate or reliable. For updates, choose a few trusted sources, such as national and local news outlets. Avoid relying on unverified websites and social media posts.
Resources
AP VoteCast: AP’s survey-based analysis for reliable, real-time election updates.
Reuters Election Coverage: Trusted news agency with real-time updates, results, and analysis.
Bitdefender: How to spot and fight ‘bots’ on social media.
After the election: keep calm and carry on
Counting absentee and provisional ballots takes time, especially in states that can only begin processing these votes on Election Day. Days or even weeks may pass before some races are called. This is a sign of a careful, methodical count— not a malfunction in the system.
Resources
Brennan Center for Justice: Information on why vote counting takes time and the importance of verifying every ballot.
Protect Democracy: What to expect, state-by-state, with the vote count.
In high-stakes elections, candidates may declare victory early to influence public perception. Official results only come from state election officials after all votes are counted and verified. Treat any unofficial claims with skepticism, and don’t share them without confirmation from election officials or reputable third-party sources.
Resources
National Task Force on Election Crises: Explains the certification process and what constitutes an official declaration of victory.
Discussing results, especially when they’re still uncertain, can lead to misunderstandings and frustration. Maintain civil and respectful conversations with friends, family, and neighbors, even if they hold differing views. Constructive dialogue helps reduce tension and fosters mutual understanding.
Nebraska Resources
Civic Nebraska civil discourse resources: Links to articles, videos, and do-it-yourself gatherings to foster “better arguments.”
Post-election can be emotionally intense, especially as conflicting information may circulate. To stay grounded, limit your media consumption, take breaks from news and social media, and focus on self-care practices. Staying informed at set times rather than constantly checking updates can help reduce stress.
Resources
American Psychological Association: Tips and strategies for managing stress and anxiety, especially related to the election.