Fact Check: the 2024 election was rigged

The Claim: "The 2024 Election Was Rigged"

Introduction

The assertion that the 2024 U.S. presidential election was rigged has gained traction among various groups, particularly those aligned with former President Donald Trump. This claim has been fueled by allegations of voter fraud, discrepancies in voter turnout, and the revival of narratives from the 2020 election. However, the validity of these claims is subject to scrutiny and requires careful examination of the evidence and sources involved.

What We Know

Voter Turnout and Discrepancies: Reports indicate a decrease in voter turnout from 2020 to 2024, with figures showing approximately 62.5% turnout in 2024 compared to just over 66% in 2020 4. This decline has led to speculation about the legitimacy of the election results, particularly concerning the number of votes received by candidates.
Allegations of Missing Votes: Some social media narratives have claimed that 20 million Democratic votes "disappeared" between the two elections. However, fact-checking organizations, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, have found no evidence to support these assertions 6.
Claims of Election Fraud: There have been numerous allegations of irregularities during the 2024 election, echoing similar claims made during the 2020 election. Reports suggest that these claims have been largely unfounded, with election security experts asserting that the election was conducted securely 8.
Media Coverage: Various media outlets have reported on the claims of a rigged election, often highlighting the lack of credible evidence to substantiate these allegations. For example, NPR noted that election deniers have continued to promote false claims about the 2020 election while raising alarms about the 2024 election 3.
Infrastructure for Evidence Generation: Some sources indicate that there is a concerted effort to gather and disseminate alleged evidence of voter fraud, which may be misleading or taken out of context 1.

Analysis

The claim that the 2024 election was rigged is supported by a mix of anecdotal evidence, social media narratives, and a historical context of election denialism. However, the credibility of the sources making these claims varies significantly:

Credibility of Sources:
- Mainstream Media: Outlets like NPR and BBC have established reputations for journalistic integrity, often relying on expert analysis and data. Their reporting tends to critically evaluate claims and provide context 3 4.
- Fact-Checking Organizations: Sources such as PolitiFact and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are generally reliable, as they utilize rigorous methodologies to assess the validity of claims 6 10.
- Social Media and Unverified Claims: Many of the allegations circulating on social media lack verification and often stem from partisan sources, which raises concerns about bias and reliability.
Methodological Concerns: The methodologies used to gather evidence of alleged fraud often lack transparency. For instance, claims about missing votes or irregularities are frequently based on anecdotal reports rather than comprehensive data analysis. This raises questions about the validity of the conclusions drawn from such evidence.
Potential Conflicts of Interest: Some sources promoting the idea of a rigged election may have political motivations or affiliations that could influence their reporting. This is particularly relevant in the context of partisan media and political commentary.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that the 2024 election was rigged is unsupported by credible evidence. Key findings indicate that allegations of voter fraud, including claims of millions of missing votes, have been thoroughly investigated and debunked by reputable sources, including fact-checking organizations and election security experts. Reports suggest that the election was conducted securely, and the discrepancies in voter turnout do not inherently indicate fraud.

It is important to recognize that while the narrative of a rigged election has gained traction, it is largely based on anecdotal evidence and unverified claims. The credibility of sources promoting these allegations varies significantly, with many lacking the rigorous methodologies necessary for substantiating such serious accusations.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence. While the majority of claims have been debunked, the political landscape surrounding elections can lead to ongoing disputes and differing interpretations of data. As such, readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the context in which claims are made.