Election Deepfakes Hit 2026 Midterms: How to Spot AI Fakes

What are election deepfakes and why are they a threat in 2026?

Election deepfakes are AI-generated images, videos, or audio clips that falsely depict political candidates, voting procedures, or election officials. In 2026, they are a growing threat because AI generators have become so realistic that obvious visual errors, like extra fingers, are increasingly rare. Bad actors use them to spread misinformation and suppress votes.

The 2026 midterm election is on Tuesday, Nov. 3. All 435 House seats, 33 Senate seats, and many state and local races are on the ballot. During this cycle, AI-edited political ads have already appeared, including ones that gave Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff AI cosmetic procedures and made it seem like Texas Senate candidate James Talarico had defaced a Bible.

Political campaigns and groups have spent more than $16 million on AI ads this year, according to a CNN analysis. This is not just a US problem; AI-generated misinformation is a global concern, and the techniques used in the midterms will likely be copied in elections worldwide.

The danger goes beyond misleading ads. In 2024, New Hampshire voters received AI robocalls impersonating President Joe Biden urging them not to vote. The consultant behind it was charged with voter suppression and fined $6 million. Since then, AI technology has only improved, making detection harder.

How can you tell if a political image or video is AI-generated?

You can tell if a political image or video is AI-generated by using online verification tools that scan for hidden metadata signatures. Top options include the Content Authenticity Initiative's Inspect tool, OpenAI's Verify tool, and Google's SynthID Detector. These tools are not foolproof, but they catch many AI-generated files.

Obvious visual clues like seven-fingered hands are becoming rare as AI improves. Instead, rely on metadata analysis. The Content Authenticity Initiative's Inspect tool can identify many kinds of AI content. OpenAI's Verify tool can identify content made with ChatGPT. Google's SynthID Detector can identify Google-made AI content; you can also upload files to Gemini to scan for SynthIDs.

These websites work by scanning an image, video, or audio file's metadata for hidden signatures that indicate it was made with AI. They aren't foolproof, but they should catch some AI media.

For a paid option, Pangram offers a $20 per month subscription for individual users. Apple is adding a verification measure called Reference Images, but it is limited to its newest iPhone 18 Pro models.

Be mindful that any AI detection service claiming a 100% success rate is lying. There are too many AI services available and too little standardization across the industry to get it right all the time.

• Content Authenticity Initiative's Inspect tool — identifies many kinds of AI content.
• OpenAI's Verify tool — identifies content made with ChatGPT.
• Google's SynthID Detector — identifies Google-made AI content; also scan via Gemini.
• Pangram — paid subscription ($20/month) for individual users.
• Apple Reference Images — limited to iPhone 18 Pro models.

What are the most common election scams and how do you avoid them?

The most common election scams use urgent texts, calls, or social media posts to trick you into clicking links or sharing personal information. They often claim your polling place changed or that you need to verify your registration. To avoid them, never click links in unsolicited messages; instead, go directly to your state's board of elections website.

Attackers prey on emotions to cloud your judgment. For example, if you get a text saying your polling location has changed with a link to the new one, don't click it. Go to your state's board of elections website to verify whether a change has been made. That site will have the most official and up-to-date information on polling locations and times.

Check the US Election Assistance Commission's map to find official election contact information for your state. You can also search for your state's board of elections or check your governor's website. Nonprofit Vote.org can help you track down your ballot information, no matter which state you vote in.

If you want to know a candidate's policy stances, start with their campaign website and platform. There is no guarantee that a candidate will post entirely truthful information, but it gives you insight into their beliefs on major issues. Fact-checking websites like Snopes.com can also help you verify specific claims.

1. Never click links in unsolicited texts or emails about voting changes.
2. Go directly to your state's board of elections website to verify polling locations and times.
3. Use the US Election Assistance Commission's map to find official state election contacts.
4. Check Vote.org for ballot information and registration status.
5. Research candidates on their official campaign websites, not through social media posts.
6. Use fact-checking sites like Snopes.com to verify viral claims.

What should you do if you encounter a deepfake or scam?

If you encounter a deepfake or scam, do not share it. Report it to the platform where you saw it and to the relevant election authorities. If you have already been tricked or see a scam targeting voters, contact the Election Protection Hotline at 866-687-8683. You can also report AI-generated misinformation to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

The best way to avoid being scammed or tricked by a deepfake is to plan ahead and stay engaged. Make your voting plan now; many states offer early voting beginning in mid-October. Check your state's voter ID laws, view your ballot in advance, and research all the candidates on it, not just the headline races.

If you run into issues at your polling place, contact the Election Protection Hotline at 866-687-8683. For more on what to do if you are personally targeted by a deepfake, see our guide on what to do when you've been deepfaked.

Remember that election season is noisy, and you will inevitably run across something that isn't true. Use your gut and avoid panicking. Fact-checking websites like Snopes.com can be useful resources. The more informed you are, the harder it is for bad actors to manipulate you.

Bottom line

Election deepfakes are already here, and they will only get more sophisticated before Nov. 3. Your best defense is to verify everything through official sources: your state's board of elections, Vote.org, and trusted fact-checkers. Use AI detection tools when you can, but don't rely on them alone. Make your voting plan now, and if you see something suspicious, report it. Stay informed and don't let AI fakes sway your vote.