Misinformation & Disinformation

A Conversation About Misinformation, Voting, and Our Community

Hello, friends. As a proud Latino, I’m writing to you today because we’re at a crucial moment. With so much happening in our world, one thing has become clear: misinformation and disinformation are becoming tools used to mislead us, confuse us, and weaken our power as voters. We cannot let that happen. Our voices and votes matter, but we need to make sure we’re informed and not swayed by false claims or empty promises.

Let’s break this down together. I want to talk to you about how misinformation affects us, especially here in Texas, how certain political figures, including Donald Trump, use disinformation to divide us, and how we can stay vigilant and protect our vote for the candidates who truly have our backs.

1. The Erosion of Trust in Voting: Misinformation and Disinformation

First, let’s talk about what misinformation and disinformation are doing to us, the voters.

We’ve all seen it: claims of election fraud. Trump’s refusal to accept the 2020 election results, his ongoing false claims about election fraud, have shaken the very foundation of our democracy. Even today, he insists that the system is rigged against him. And while some people believe this, the damage is deeper than just one election. This rhetoric leaves many of us wondering, "Can we trust the process at all?"

But it’s more dangerous than just doubting elections. For Latinos, a community that already feels marginalized in many ways, these claims of election fraud only add to the feeling of alienation. When someone tells us our vote might not even be counted, it makes us question whether showing up to vote is even worth it.

We cannot allow ourselves to be silenced this way. Our vote matters. The more we hear that the system is broken, the more disengaged we become—and that’s exactly what they want. Disengagement is a form of voter suppression, and it’s a strategy used to keep power out of our hands.

2. Trump’s Strategy: Misinformation and Division

Now, let’s look at how this plays into Trump’s larger strategy, particularly when it comes to Latino voters. There’s no denying that Trump uses misinformation to his advantage. He targets us, divides us, and sometimes even appeals to us, but in ways that don’t truly serve our best interests.

For example, Trump has often attacked Kamala Harris with misinformation rooted in gender and racial stereotypes. He paints her as extreme or unqualified, playing into harmful narratives about women and people of color. By constantly pushing these divisive messages, he distracts from the real issues—like healthcare, education, and jobs—things we actually care about.

But Trump doesn’t just attack. He also tries to appeal to Latinos who are more assimilated or who prioritize certain values—like economic growth or traditional family values. He’ll say his economic policies are the best, that he’s created the greatest economy for Latinos. But let’s be honest. The tax cuts he brags about? They primarily helped the rich, not working-class families like ours.

For many of us, especially those hit hardest during the pandemic, those policies haven’t improved our day-to-day lives.

3. How We Can Combat Disinformation and Protect Our Vote

So, what can we do about it? How do we cut through the noise, sift through the lies, and make informed decisions?

First, education is key. We have to make sure we’re getting our information from reliable sources. Misinformation often spreads quickly on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp, especially in our communities where news in Spanish isn’t always fact-checked as thoroughly. Before you share something, take a minute to verify it. There are tools and websites, like fact-checking organizations, like PolitiFact, FactCheck.org or the Washington Post Face Checker, that can help us get the truth.

Second, we need to rely on our community leaders and organizations like UnidosUS and others who are fighting for our rights and our voices to be heard. They’re on the front lines of pushing back against misinformation, and they can provide us with the resources we need to stay informed and make empowered decisions.

Finally, let’s talk about candidates. We need to look for people who really support the common man, not just big corporations or the ultra-rich. Ask yourself: who is going to fight for your healthcare, your job, your kids' education? Who is going to make sure our communities—Latino, LGBTQ family members, working-class—are treated with dignity and respect?

Don’t let disinformation divide us. Don’t let it push us toward candidates who don’t truly have our best interests at heart. We’re stronger when we stand together, informed and engaged.

In Conclusion: It’s Our Future, Let’s Protect It

As we head into another critical election season, let’s stay vigilant. Misinformation and disinformation are out there, but we have the tools to fight back. Let’s make sure we’re voting for candidates who care about us, who will fight for us, and who won’t just feed us lies or pander to our fears.

Let’s stay informed, united, and ready to cast our vote for a better future. For our families. For our community. For all of us.

Remember: Your vote matters—more than ever before.