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Election officials in Maryland have launched a new initiative aimed at combating the spread of false information that threatens to undermine the integrity of the democratic process. The “Maryland Votes for Truth” campaign represents the state’s most comprehensive effort to date to address the growing concerns about misinformation and disinformation in elections.

The initiative comes at a critical time as the state prepares for upcoming elections, with officials increasingly concerned about the potential impact of false narratives on voter participation and confidence in electoral systems. The Maryland State Board of Elections is spearheading the effort in collaboration with local election boards across the state’s 24 jurisdictions.

“We’ve seen the damaging effects of misinformation in recent election cycles, and we’re taking proactive steps to ensure Maryland voters have access to accurate, verified information,” said Linda Lamone, Maryland’s Administrator of Elections, during the campaign’s unveiling at the State House in Annapolis.

The multi-faceted program includes a dedicated website serving as a fact-checking resource, where voters can verify information about voting procedures, polling locations, and candidate information. The site also features a tool allowing residents to report suspicious election-related content they encounter online.

Digital literacy workshops will be conducted throughout the state, targeting communities particularly vulnerable to misinformation campaigns. These sessions will teach participants how to identify suspicious content and verify information from reliable sources before sharing it online.

The initiative arrives against a backdrop of increasing national concern about foreign and domestic actors using social media and other digital platforms to spread false information. According to a recent study by the University of Maryland’s Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement, nearly 40 percent of Maryland voters reported encountering what they believed to be misleading election information during the previous election cycle.

“What makes misinformation particularly dangerous is how quickly it can spread in today’s digital environment,” explained Dr. Michael Hanmer, the center’s research director. “Once false information takes hold, it becomes extremely difficult to correct, which is why preventative efforts like Maryland’s new program are so essential.”

State officials have emphasized that the initiative is non-partisan and focused solely on ensuring that voters have access to factual information about the electoral process. The campaign will partner with community organizations, faith groups, and educational institutions to extend its reach across diverse communities throughout Maryland.

Local election officials will receive specialized training to help them identify and respond to misinformation targeting their specific jurisdictions. The program also includes rapid-response teams prepared to address false claims about voting procedures or results as they emerge.

Media literacy experts have praised Maryland’s approach as among the most comprehensive state-level efforts to date. “What’s notable about Maryland’s initiative is that it combines educational elements with practical resources and real-time monitoring,” said Claire Wardle, co-founder of First Draft, a non-profit organization focused on tackling misinformation globally.

The program’s $1.2 million budget is funded primarily through federal election security grants, with additional support from the state. Officials estimate the campaign will reach at least 2 million Maryland residents through direct outreach and digital messaging before the next election.

Several other states, including Colorado, Washington, and Michigan, have implemented similar programs, though with varying approaches and levels of investment. Election security experts suggest that such state-led efforts may serve as models for a more coordinated national strategy to protect election integrity.

As digital platforms continue to evolve and misinformation tactics grow more sophisticated, Maryland officials acknowledge that their initiative represents just one component of what must be an ongoing effort to safeguard democratic processes.

“The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore. “Ensuring that right means not only making voting accessible but also making sure citizens can make informed choices based on accurate information. This initiative helps accomplish that vital goal.”