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Voters across political divides are increasingly alarmed about misinformation ahead of the November elections, according to a new study by SmartNews. The research reveals that 92% of voters in four states express concern about being misled, with the worry extending across party lines.
Democrats show the highest level of concern at 95%, closely followed by Republicans at 92% and Independents at 88%. The generational divide is notable, with 63% of Baby Boomers expressing significant skepticism compared to 52% of Gen X. Younger voters from Gen Z and Millennial groups appear somewhat less worried, with only 45% reporting high levels of concern.
Artificial intelligence has emerged as a particular flashpoint in election integrity fears. An overwhelming 91% of adults surveyed are at least somewhat worried about AI-generated falsehoods potentially influencing the 2025 election. This anxiety transcends political affiliations, with 94% of Democrats, 93% of Republicans, and 86% of Independents expressing concern about AI-created misinformation.
Perhaps most troubling is the lack of confidence among voters in their ability to identify false information. Only 10% of respondents believe they can reliably spot misinformation, suggesting a crisis of confidence in media literacy as election day approaches.
The study highlights a paradox in news consumption habits. Traditional local news sources remain the most trusted, with 32% of respondents relying on local television and newspapers for information—more than any other news source. However, 22% still turn to social media for news despite acknowledging it as the least trustworthy information source.
Regional variations reveal how specific election contexts shape voter concerns. In California, where voters face a ballot measure on redistricting, 94% worry about misleading information, including 97% of Democrats, 94% of Republicans, and 74% of Independents.
New Jersey voters express similar anxieties ahead of their gubernatorial race, though specific percentages weren’t provided in the survey results.
New York City residents appear slightly less concerned despite their upcoming high-profile mayoral election. Still, 82% worry about being misled through misinformation, including 88% of Democrats, 84% of Republicans, and 72% of Independents. A striking 45% of New York City respondents report encountering AI-generated false or misleading information daily.
Virginia shows particularly high cross-partisan concern, with 93% of voters worried about misinformation—94% among both Democrats and Republicans, and 88% among Independents. Two-thirds of Virginia respondents believe misinformation has increased over the past year, and more than half encounter it on a daily basis.
The findings come at a critical time when election officials, technology companies, and media organizations are implementing various safeguards against misinformation. Social media platforms have announced enhanced policies to label AI-generated content, while election officials have stepped up voter education efforts.
The SmartNews survey methodology included responses from 1,082 individuals across the selected states, with state-specific sample sizes of 881 in California, 904 in New Jersey, 871 in Virginia, and 859 in New York City. The research was conducted from September 15-19, providing a recent snapshot of voter sentiment as election day draws near.
As the study concludes with the simple recommendation to “go out and vote,” the results underscore how misinformation concerns have become a defining feature of the American electoral landscape, potentially affecting voter turnout and confidence in democratic processes.
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10 Comments
This poll highlights the growing challenge of combating misinformation, which seems to be eroding public trust in the electoral process. The fact that even 92% of Republicans are worried suggests this is a bipartisan issue that needs to be addressed.
Absolutely, misinformation is a threat to democracy that transcends political lines. Voters need to be empowered with the tools and knowledge to discern fact from fiction.
While the overall findings are troubling, I’m encouraged to see that concern about misinformation is widespread across party lines. This could create an opportunity for bipartisan cooperation to address the issue and strengthen democratic institutions.
Absolutely. Tackling misinformation should not be a partisan issue. A united, non-partisan effort to educate voters and improve information integrity would be a positive step forward.
As an investor in mining and energy equities, I’m curious to see how these concerns about misinformation could impact sentiment and volatility in the markets leading up to 2025. Increased uncertainty and distrust could create some interesting trading opportunities.
Good point. Misinformation around critical commodities and energy issues could definitely roil the markets. Investors will need to stay vigilant and fact-check claims carefully.
The high levels of concern about AI-generated falsehoods are particularly worrying. This underscores the need for robust regulations and safeguards around the use of AI in the electoral process. Protecting the integrity of elections should be a top priority for policymakers.
Agreed. Oversight and transparency around the use of AI in elections will be crucial to maintaining public trust. Voters deserve accurate, reliable information to make informed choices.
Interesting to see such widespread concern about misinformation ahead of the 2025 elections. The generational divide in worry levels is notable, with younger voters seemingly less concerned. AI-generated falsehoods are a major flashpoint, with most voters across parties worried about their potential impact.
Agreed, the lack of confidence among voters in their ability to identify false information is quite troubling. Election integrity should be a top priority for all.