Disinformation, social media, and foreign interference: What can go wrong in the 2020 elections?

Campaigns across the country are now entering their final push before the general election. If the events of the last few years are any indication, there are many things that can go wrong. Disinformation, social media manipulation, and foreign interference all affected the 2016 elections and will likely continue to threaten elections moving forward. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has complicated voting procedures and led to long lines in some polling places. How should government officials and local leaders confront these challenges? How can we avoid the myriad problems that could afflict the elections?

On July 28, Governance Studies at Brookings hosted a webinar examining the potential problems in the 2020 elections. Panelists discussed the use and impact of social media manipulation, election interference, voting obstacles, and the spread of disinformation.