Fake videos created abroad aim to cast doubt on the US election

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – U.S. officials are warning voters about foreign disinformation campaigns designed to influence voter behavior and undermine the integrity of the U.S. presidential election.

“We believe that China, Russia and Iran are actively involved in spreading false or at least misleading narratives in the run-up to Election Day. And it's interesting because we think they're intervening, and even though they're often seen as being on the same side, they undermine our narratives. In some cases they undermine diverse candidates,” said Rob York of the Pacific Forum.

York says Russian trolls are attacking Vice President Kamala Harris while Iran is targeting former President Donald Trump. China has not endorsed any candidate but is stoking tensions and sowing discord among Americans.

“You see things like Russia trying to galvanize people in Georgia, for example, by showing false videos of Haitian migrants voting for Kamala Harris multiple times. You see things like Iranian sources targeting voters in Michigan, often Muslim voters in Michigan, things like that. So if it does have an effect, it will probably be marginal. But in a very close election that could make a big difference,” he added.

As fake social media videos and posts go viral, it is a reminder to check the source of content claiming election fraud.

“Be careful about what you consume. Ask yourself: Does this video look logical? Does it seem consistent with reality and honestly, if this were true, what would be the consequences of Haitian migrants voting multiple times? Think about the impact that would have, especially on the events that are currently taking place. You know, the results haven't been nearly as good as people think,” York said.

Election officials are reassuring voters that ballots will be secured and tracked, but with much at stake, the Republican Party isn't taking any chances.

GOP leaders in Hawaii say they are collecting reports of irregularities as part of a nationwide effort – data that could be used to cast doubt on a Trump defeat and build a case for overturning the election.

“They receive duplicate votes or are not even registered on the electoral roll and know that they have registered to vote. We're finding that a few people have been rejected and we're asking people to send all of that stuff in. So it would be good to give that up,” said Hawaii GOP Party President Tamara McCay.

Whatever the outcome on Tuesday, experts are urging voters to be skeptical of outrageous claims and to remain calm.

After all, foreign adversaries want to cause anger and division.

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