Tools and tips to identify misinformation in US and Idaho state general elections

Shaun Goodwin, Syra Ortiz-Blanes
Jenny Kane/AP file photo

Ahead of the Idaho general election on Nov. 8, the Idaho Statesman has pulled together tools to help you identify disinformation so you can focus on the facts.

Information that comes from an official source is not necessarily factual. Verify what you hear and read

  • Politifact is a fact-checking website that verifies elected officials’ statements.

  • FactCheck.Org aims to reduce the level of deception in U.S. politics.

  • Google Fact-Check Explorer can tell you if a fact-checking organization has investigated a fact or claim.

  • Snopes was initially known for debunking urban legends, popular culture myths, internet rumors and chain emails. However, it has since become an independent, investigative fact-checking website that verifies political news.

Assume what you see on social media will need to be verified

Check up on the author

Reputable news organizations typically use bylines to identify who reported and wrote a story. Reporters often have bios at the end of a story.

NewsGuard offers trust ratings for a majority of news sites. It even has a plugin for your browser.

It’s not just words. Photos and videos are being manipulated

Take this Spot the Deepfake Quiz and see if you can effectively identify what’s real and what’s not.

Who’s running for Idaho’s Legislative District 23? Hear from the candidates

Subscribe to fact-checking newsletters and podcasts

  • Get Smart About News is a weekly newsletter that “shares the latest examples of misinformation.” Subscribe here.

  • The Poynter Institute runs Factually, an accountability journalism and fact-checking newsletter. Sign up here.

  • The “Is That a Fact?” podcast addresses the impact of disinformation on American democracy. The 10-episode podcast is here.

  • NPR has an archive of its fact-checking audio stories here.

Report fake news on social media

You can also join the fight against falsehoods in your social media feeds. Users can report a tweet on Twitter for being “misleading about a political election or other civic event.” Facebook has said it is taking steps to reduce voter interference.

Voter information

How to register to vote in Idaho and check your voter status: voteidaho.gov

How to vote by mail in Idaho: voteidaho.gov/absentee-voter-information/

Track your mail-in ballot in Idaho: www.vote.org/ballot-tracker-tools

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