Maryland Launches “Defenders Of Democracy” To Combat Election Misinformation

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – In recognition of Media Literacy Week, the Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) is announcing its “Defenders of Democracy” initiative. Media Literacy week highlights the need to check and verify sources of information.

This initiative encourages every Marylanders to be vigilant in receiving information on social media regarding elections, voter eligibility and registration, and methods of voting.

As a Defender of Democracy, each of us has a duty to seek accurate and truthful information and help stop the spread of mis/dis/mal information affecting our elections and the democratic process.

SBE, as the verified and trusted source of election-related information, reminds voters of its online disinformation and misinformation reporting portal, available at https://elections.maryland.gov/press_room/Dis-Misinformation.html. The portal empowers Marylanders to take an active role in identifying and stopping the spread of false election-related claims by becoming “Defenders of Democracy.”

“Media Literacy Week is the perfect moment to highlight the power every Maryland voter has to fight back against disinformation,” said Jared DeMarinis, State Administrator of Elections. “When you see something false, don’t ignore it. Report it, get the facts from us, and then share the truth. That collective action is what makes Maryland voters true Defenders of Democracy.”

The disinformation portal is part of SBE’s ongoing commitment to protecting the integrity of elections and ensuring voters have access to trusted information. False claims about voter registration, polling locations, mail-in ballots, or election results can undermine confidence in the process. By using the portal, voters can:

Report it – flag suspicious or false election-related claims.
Verify it – check trusted information directly from SBE.
Share it – help others by passing along the correct information.

SBE encourages all Marylanders to make https://elections.maryland.gov their first and most reliable source for election information.

“Democracy depends on informed voters,” DeMarinis added. “By reporting disinformation and sharing accurate information, Marylanders are defending the very foundation of free and fair elections. Remember, the State Board is always ready and there to correct the record. Together, we can stop the spread of disinformation in elections.”

Media Literacy Week is an annual observance that highlights the importance of critical thinking and responsible engagement with media and information. It encourages people to evaluate the information they encounter, check sources, and share accurate facts to help strengthen democracy and civic engagement.