How to avoid sharing election misinformation

A worker at the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections works to process absentee ballots at State Farm Arena Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

The 2024 election season is upon us. While Election Day is Nov. 5, early voting started in September in some states. As we wait for the final results to be declared, chances are, you’re going to come across false or misleading information.

To avoid spreading misinformation this election season, here are four things to consider.

Results can shift dramatically on election night

Election rules and procedures vary state by state. Within a state, they can even vary between counties. Some states allow mail-in ballots received before Election Day to be processed in advance. Others leave the processing and counting of mail-in ballots until after the polls close on Election Day.