How to Stay Informed: Navigating Election News with Confidence

In today’s fast-paced digital world, election news comes from many sources, including social media, TV, online articles, and conversations with friends. With so much information available, how can you ensure you’re getting the facts?

At the Citizens Clean Elections Commission, every voter deserves access to accurate, nonpartisan election information. That’s why we’re here to help you confidently navigate election news. We strive to help you cut through the noise, identify credible sources, and make informed decisions at the ballot box.

Understanding Why Media Literacy Is Important

Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and engage with all forms of communication. It involves more than just consuming content; it requires critical thinking about the messages we encounter across television, social media, news outlets, and advertising.

Being media literate means asking essential questions such as: Who created this message? What is its purpose? What techniques are being used to influence me? In today's world of constant information, misinformation & disinformation, media literacy is an essential skill that empowers individuals to make informed choices, recognize bias, and engage with media as active participants rather than passive consumers.

Here’s how you can stay informed and empowered in an era of information overload:

Start with Trusted & Nonpartisan Sources

Not all news sources are created equal. To obtain the most reliable information about elections, start with sources that prioritize accuracy and transparency over opinion and speculation. Once you have verified that a news source is legitimate, search within that site instead of using a search engine for the topic. This way, you won't have to repeatedly check for credibility. Additionally, try to avoid relying on social media for news, as their algorithms are designed to reinforce your existing views rather than provide a balanced perspective. This effect is often described, especially with the youth, as an echo chamber. Where your views are compounded by the other like minded users and the suggested topics presented to you reinforce & amplify those perspectives.

Use ‘lateral verification'

Verify information using multiple credible sources. Gathering data from various sources offers a broader perspective on issues, enhancing your overall understanding of the topic.

Double-check the URL

Some websites spread disinformation in a deceptive manner by posing as reputable and familiar news sources. For instance, the actual URL of the New York Times is nytimes.com. A site attempting to imitate the Times might have a similar design but would have a subtly altered URL in its spelling or a different ending.

Spot & Avoid Misinformation

Election misinformation is prevalent, and false claims can spread quickly, especially online. Understanding how to identify and refute misinformation protects not only your vote but democracy itself.

Be wary of what you read (and post) on social

Without proper fact-checking, misinformation (incorrect information) and disinformation (falsehoods intended to deceive) can spread rapidly on social media. While platforms like Facebook and Instagram are excellent for sharing pet photos and recipes, they are known to be unreliable sources of quality news.

Pause before sharing

Before sharing an article on social media, take a deep breath—especially if it triggered a strong emotional response. Since evoking emotions is a primary tactic of those spreading misinformation, such content requires extra scrutiny.

Where to Find Trusted Election Information

In a world dominated by headlines, hashtags, and quick opinions, it can be challenging to distinguish between what is real and what is not. This is why it is essential to know where to find factual and trustworthy information. Whether you are researching current events, health advice, or civic issues, relying on credible sources can help you cut through the noise and make informed decisions with confidence.

Arizona Clean Elections – Your go-to resource for nonpartisan election facts, including voter guides, candidate information, and election dates.

Arizona Secretary of State’s Office – Official election results, voter registration, and election law updates. Local Election Offices – County election websites provide details on polling places, ballots, and local voting policies.

Fact-checking organizations, sites like FactCheck.org, PolitiFact, and Snopes, verify claims about candidates and election policies. And don't forget to save your own hard work, when finding a website you deem as legitimate and/or credible perhaps make a new bookmark folder and bookmark these pages as quick go to hubs for you to become more informed!

Signs of Election Misinformation:

Be cautious of the following types of content:

• Vague or sensational language (e.g., "Elections are rigged! Officials are hiding the truth!").
• Claims that are not supported by cited sources or rely on anonymous assertions.
• Manipulated images or videos. With the advancement of AI images a pro tip is to look at hands and feet as AI programs often have a glitch in the number of digits showing, or two left arms as an example.
• One-sided reporting that does not present counterarguments.
• Fake websites that impersonate official election sources.

If a claim seems extreme, vague, or intended to provoke outrage, take a step back and verify the information before sharing it.

Spot the bad stats

To be a discerning news consumer, it's essential to grasp how data and statistics are properly used and how they can be manipulated or misrepresented to support a specific viewpoint. Among the recommended resources are the TED Talks titled “3 Ways to Spot a Bad Statistic” and “Become Data Literate in 3 Simple Steps.”

What to Do If You See Misinformation:

• Verify with official sources (like Clean Elections or the Arizona Secretary of State).
• Report false claims on social media platforms.
• Politely correct misinformation when friends or family share it.

Use Clean Elections’ tools to verify election details and get fact-based voting information anytime.

Be skeptical of ‘fake news'

Contrary to the way the term has been misapplied in recent years, “fake news” is not a synonym for facts that some people prefer not to believe. Its narrow meaning refers to fabricated information that mimics journalism but was produced without the proper editorial standards and processes.

Learn the lingo

Credible news sites offer a variety of content; not every article is solely fact-based, though these should be clearly labeled. For example, op-eds and reviews offer individual viewpoints, while analysis pieces provide context and background to help readers understand a topic.

Diversify Your News Sources

Relying on a single news outlet can limit your perspective. Instead, balance your news intake by checking multiple credible sources.

How to Get a Well-Rounded View:

Read Across Outlets – Compare coverage from different news organizations to get a full picture of the story.

Listen to Different Voices – Follow journalists, civic organizations, and nonpartisan groups that focus on election integrity.

Check Primary Sources – When possible, go directly to candidate statements, official press releases, and public records.

Tip: Avoid sources that frame every election story as a “crisis” or conflict—political processes aren’t just about drama; they’re about policies that affect real people.

Understand the Difference Between News & Opinion

Many news outlets provide both fact-based reporting and opinion pieces, but they aren’t the same. Knowing the difference helps you separate analysis from actual events.

• News Articles – Report facts, interviews, and events as they happen.
• Opinion & Editorials – Offer commentary and personal views, often with political bias.
• Analysis Pieces – Explain the meaning behind news, but may include subjective interpretations.

Pro Tip: When reading election coverage, start with the facts first, then explore analysis and opinion for context.

Engage with Election News Responsibly

Being an informed voter goes beyond reading the news—it’s also about engaging responsibly with the information you consume and share.

Smart Ways to Engage:

Ask questions. If something sounds off, dig deeper before accepting it as truth. Think critically. Consider who is behind the message and why it’s being shared. Discuss respectfully. Conversations about elections can be passionate—keep discussions civil and fact-based. Share carefully. If you’re unsure about a claim, don’t spread it.

Check this site for the latest verified information before you register to vote, fill out your ballot, or find information about elections happening in your area and statewide.

How Clean Elections Assists:

At Clean Elections, we provide clear, fact-based election information specific to Arizona. Our site provides:

• Official voter guides with details straight from the candidates—unedited and in their own words.
• Ballot information for Arizona's ballot propositions to ensure you vote informed on critical issues affecting your community.
• Voting deadlines so you never miss an important election date.
• The Voter Dashboard is your personalized hub for election information—track your ballot, find your district, and get details on upcoming elections, all in one place.
• Educational resources explaining Arizona’s election process in plain language.

How Is Media Literacy Connected to Civic Engagement?

To thrive in a strong and healthy democracy, we all need to develop the ability to think critically about the media we consume. Media literacy involves more than just skepticism; it is about knowing how to investigate, ask questions, and identify bias, spin, and misinformation. The aim is to transform ourselves from passive consumers of information into active and thoughtful participants in public discourse.

Media literacy provides individuals with the tools to think independently, communicate effectively, and engage with diverse viewpoints without resorting to an “us vs. them” mentality. It’s not about discovering one “right” answer but rather about learning through dialogue, logic, and evidence. This approach fosters stronger communities and encourages us to embrace differing perspectives while remaining anchored in facts.

At its core, media literacy is the recognition that every piece of media is created and crafted through human decisions with specific purposes. When we can identify these choices, we can better navigate today's digital landscape, protect ourselves from manipulation, and make informed decisions. These skills are not just beneficial; they are essential for anyone who wishes to be an informed and empowered citizen.

Empower Yourself with Trusted Election Information

Staying informed about elections should be empowering, not overwhelming. By using trusted sources, identifying misinformation, diversifying your news intake, and engaging responsibly, you can navigate the election season with confidence. At the Citizens Clean Elections Commission, we are dedicated to equipping Arizona voters with the tools they need to make informed choices. Whether you are seeking official election deadlines, candidate statements, or voter education resources, we have you covered.

Stay informed. Stay engaged.

May - 2025