Misinformation, Disinformation and Electoral Distortion

Signs held up at a conspiracy-based rally in Sydney on 23 September 2023. Photo credit: David Gray/AFP.IntroductionPolitical disinformation is an increasing threat to the legitimacy of democratic processes and the health and stability of democracies the world over.1 Australian is no exception. In this chapter, we explore the extent to which disinformation impacted and distorted a symbolically important moment in Australian electoral history: the 2023 Voice Referendum campaign and its outcome.In order for any electoral outcome to be deemed authentic and therefore legitimate, electors’ choices must be based on robust and accurate information about the options in contention. Yet, mis- and disinformation were conspicuously present during the highly contentious Voice Referendum campaign.2 Misleading information could be found in every form of communication relating to the election, from the speeches of activists and politicians, the ofcial pamphlets mailed out to electors, to online material posted on social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok. One especially alarming form of disinformation that emerged during the campaign was election conspiracism, whereby it was falsely claimed that electoral authorities were interfering with processes and results.