Historically, foreign governments have interfered in the electoral processes of other nations to support their own political ambitions. With the rise of technology and the ability to cross national borders, this interference has become more sophisticated and more dangerous.
This election cycle has witnessed a significant increase in the volume of political propaganda and false information, as well as attacks on elections and electoral infrastructure by foreign governments, non-governmental organizations and private individuals. State and local election officials face a variety of threats and attacks, from cyberattacks to physical intimidation and harassment of voters and their supporters.
As a result, many Americans worry about the impact of foreign interference on their vote and trust in the electoral system. According to an AP-NORC poll, sizable majorities of both Democrats and Republicans are concerned about the potential impact of foreign interference.
Using a diverse landscape and advancing tools, these actors spread election disinformation and racially charged messages that sow division, potentially impacting voter turnout and American confidence in the electoral system. These efforts often outpace fact-checking and counter-messaging by journalists and independent groups.
While there is a growing consensus that foreign interference in America’s elections is real and serious, the nature of the threat to democracy is more complex than commonly understood. Colorful anecdotes and the fear of a dystopian future may keep the issue in the public eye, but these discussions too often lack important details that would construct a more complete picture of the nature of the threat.