What not to watch on Election Day

Election Day in the United States is a time of high public interest, with millions glued to television and online news, much like during wars or natural disasters. Media outlets, including this one, will provide analysis and livestreams to keep viewers engaged. However, the day is also marked by an overwhelming amount of misinformation.

In the era of print journalism, reporters could relax during Election Day. Now, the media is flooded with anecdotes about voting numbers, conspiracy theories, and claims of election fraud. Stories about long lines or malfunctioning voting machines are often misleading, as each person can only vote once and early voting does not hold more weight.

Additionally, there are frequent rumors of poll-site interference or intimidation, which are often inflated to motivate voters. Media companies also have an incentive to keep viewers engaged, with nonstop analysis and exit polls, even though these often turn out to be inaccurate. Despite these issues, it would be wise to take a break on Election Day, sleep late if possible, and watch a reputable livestream when the results start rolling in.