The waiting is the hardest part, which is why Twitter is going to remind users that the US presidential election results may take longer than expected to appear. During a vote marked by COVID-19 and a subsequent increase in mail-in ballots, the social network is rolling out a new campaign to counter misinformation.
"With so many more people voting by mail and potentially delayed results … we'll show you prompts in your Home timeline and Search to help you stay informed on these critical topics," Twitter Support announced on Monday.
Look for red, white, and blue warnings that a lag in official election results could lead to "unconfirmed claims" that a candidate won their presidential, congressional, or gubernatorial race. A second notice confirms that voting by mail is safe and secure.
"Both will link to Twitter Moments that provide more context and compile the latest credible information on the topic from election experts, journalists, and other authoritative news sources," a company spokesperson told Mashable.
Twitter last month released its first election PSA, highlighting where and how to register and request a mail-in ballot, as well as offering tips for healthy voting. The microblogging service also launched its 2020 election hub—a one-stop shop for accurate information and resources ahead of the Nov. 3 vote. Scroll through the latest news, live streams of major events, and localized announcements.
Previously, the platform clamped down on the spread of misinformation, promising to more aggressively label and hide inaccurate election-related posts. It also banned political ads, began providing more context to trending items, and enhanced the security of high-profile accounts.