The manipulation of the 2020 US

presidential election

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Introduction
The 2020 United States presidential election was historic for many reasons. Not only was it held
during a global pandemic that disrupted traditional voting methods, but it was also one of the
most controversial and contested elections in recent memory. Following the election, there were
allegations of voter fraud, irregularities, and manipulation from both sides of the political
spectrum. Some claimed that the election was stolen from former President Donald Trump,
while others argued that the election was fair and transparent. In this essay, I will examine the
possibility that the 2020 US presidential election was manipulated and the evidence for and
against this claim.
Chapter 1: Background and Context
To understand the possibility of manipulation in the 2020 US presidential election, it is
necessary to first provide some background and context. The 2020 election was held during a
global pandemic that had already disrupted many aspects of daily life. This led to a surge in
mail-in and early voting, which some argued made the election more susceptible to fraud and
manipulation. Additionally, the election was held in a highly polarized political climate, with both
sides accusing the other of wrongdoing.
Chapter 2: Allegations of Manipulation
The 2020 US presidential election was one of the most contentious and polarized in US history.
Following the election, numerous allegations of manipulation and voter fraud were made by
former President Donald Trump and his supporters. These allegations centered around several
key themes, including mail-in ballot fraud, voting machine manipulation, dead voters, illegal
immigrants voting, and voting irregularities.
Mail-in Ballot Fraud
One of the most common allegations of fraud and manipulation was related to mail-in ballots.
Trump and his supporters claimed that mail-in ballots were particularly vulnerable to fraud and
manipulation, including ballot harvesting, fraudulent voter registrations, and ballot-counting
irregularities.
Ballot harvesting is the practice of collecting and submitting mail-in ballots on behalf of voters.
Trump and his supporters claimed that this practice was particularly vulnerable to fraud, with
individuals potentially collecting ballots from voters who did not intend to vote, manipulating
ballots to vote for a particular candidate, or failing to deliver all the ballots collected.
In response to these allegations, many states implemented additional measures to ensure the
integrity of mail-in voting, including signature verification, barcoding, and tracking of mail-in
ballots. Despite these efforts, the allegations of mail-in ballot fraud continued.
Fraudulent voter registrations were another alleged issue related to mail-in voting. Some
claimed that individuals were registering to vote using fake identities, allowing them to cast
fraudulent ballots. In response, states implemented additional measures to verify voter
registration, including checking against government records and conducting manual checks.
Ballot-counting irregularities were also a concern, with some alleging that mail-in ballots were
not being counted accurately. Trump and his supporters claimed that votes for Trump were
being discarded or counted as votes for Biden. However, there is little evidence to support these
claims, and many independent investigations found that the mail-in ballots were counted
accurately.

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Voting Machine Manipulation
Another key allegation of manipulation in the 2020 election was related to voting machines.
Some claimed that voting machines were hacked or manipulated to change votes or switch
votes from Trump to Biden. The primary focus of these allegations was on Dominion Voting
Systems, a voting machine manufacturer used in many states during the 2020 election.
Dominion Voting Systems was accused of switching votes from Trump to Biden, as well as
deleting votes for Trump. These allegations were widely circulated on social media and were
promoted by Trump and his supporters. However, there is little evidence to support these
claims, and independent investigations found no evidence of widespread manipulation of voting
machines.
In fact, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which is responsible for securing
the US election infrastructure, stated that the 2020 election was "the most secure in American
history" and that there was no evidence of any voting system being compromised.
Dead Voters
Another common allegation of fraud and manipulation was related to deceased individuals being
counted as voters. Trump and his supporters claimed that deceased individuals were included in
the voter rolls and that their votes were included in the final tally. In response, many states
conducted audits of their voter rolls to remove deceased individuals.
While it is possible that some deceased individuals were included in voter rolls, there is little
evidence to support the claim that their votes were included in the final tally. Many states have
procedures in place to ensure that deceased individuals are removed from the voter rolls and
that their votes are not included in the final tally.
Illegal Immigrants Voting
Another common allegation of fraud and manipulation was related to illegal immigrants voting in
the election. Trump and his supporters claimed that illegal immigrants were allowed to vote in
the election, potentially tipping the scales in favor of Biden. However, there is little evidence to
support this claim.
In fact, many states have strict voter ID requirements and require proof of citizenship to register
to vote. Additionally, many states have procedures in place to ensure that only
eligible citizens are able to vote. For example, many states use the Electronic Verification of
Voter Registration (EVER) program, which checks voter registration data against state and
federal databases to ensure that individuals are eligible to vote.
Furthermore, the Pew Research Center estimates that there are approximately 10.5 million
undocumented immigrants in the US, making up only around 3% of the US population. Given
the low percentage of undocumented immigrants in the US, it is unlikely that they could have
significantly impacted the outcome of the election.
Voting Irregularities
In addition to the above allegations, there were also claims of voting irregularities and anomalies
that were said to have favored Biden. For example, some claimed that there were suspicious
vote spikes in the early hours of November 4th, indicating that votes were being manipulated.
Others claimed that there were significant discrepancies between the number of votes cast and
the number of registered voters in certain precincts.

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While these claims were investigated by state and federal authorities, there is little evidence to
support them. Many of the alleged anomalies were found to have logical explanations, such as
reporting errors or ballot processing procedures.
Furthermore, many of the claims of voter fraud and manipulation were based on anecdotal
evidence or unverified reports on social media. While it is important to investigate any
allegations of voter fraud and manipulation, it is also important to rely on credible evidence and
avoid spreading unverified rumors.
Conclusion
Overall, the allegations of manipulation and voter fraud in the 2020 US presidential election
have been largely unsubstantiated. While it is important to investigate any claims of voter fraud
and manipulation, there is little credible evidence to support the widespread allegations made by
Trump and his supporters.
Additionally, many independent investigations, including those conducted by the Cybersecurity
and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Department of Justice, found no evidence of
widespread manipulation or fraud in the election.
It is also important to note that allegations of voter fraud and manipulation can undermine public
confidence in the election process and weaken the foundation of American democracy. As such,
it is important for politicians and citizens alike to approach allegations of voter fraud and
manipulation with skepticism and rely on credible evidence before making claims or drawing
conclusions.
While the 2020 US presidential election was marked by controversy and allegations of fraud and
manipulation, it is important to approach these claims with a critical eye and rely on credible
evidence to make informed judgments. The allegations of voter fraud and manipulation have
largely been unsubstantiated, and many independent investigations have found no evidence of
widespread fraud or manipulation.
However, it is important to note that allegations of voter fraud and manipulation can have
significant consequences for public trust in the electoral process. For example, in the aftermath
of the 2020 election, a significant number of Republicans expressed doubts about the legitimacy
of the election and the outcome. This can have long-term consequences for the stability and
legitimacy of American democracy, as trust in the electoral process is a crucial aspect of
democratic governance.
As such, it is important for politicians and citizens alike to approach allegations of voter fraud
and manipulation with caution and rely on credible evidence to make informed judgments. This
may involve investing in measures to improve the security and integrity of the electoral process,
such as improving voter registration procedures, implementing stricter security protocols for
ballot counting, and increasing transparency in the vote counting process.
It is also important to remember that the right to vote is a fundamental aspect of American
democracy, and efforts to suppress or limit access to the vote can have significant
consequences for the legitimacy and fairness of the electoral process. As such, it is important to
take steps to ensure that all eligible citizens are able to exercise their right to vote without fear of
intimidation, suppression, or manipulation.
Overall, while the 2020 US presidential election was marked by controversy and allegations of
fraud and manipulation, it is important to rely on credible evidence to make informed judgments
and to take steps to improve the security and integrity of the electoral process. By doing so, we

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can ensure that the right to vote is protected and that American democracy remains strong and
vibrant for generations to come.
Chapter 3: The Role of Social Media in the 2020 US Presidential
Election
The 2020 US presidential election was marked by a significant amount of attention on social
media, with platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram playing a major role in shaping
public opinion and driving voter turnout. From viral memes to targeted advertising campaigns,
social media played a central role in the electoral process, with both positive and negative
effects.
In this chapter, we will explore the role of social media in the 2020 US presidential election,
examining its impact on voter behavior, public opinion, and the overall outcome of the election.
The Rise of Social Media in US Politics
Social media has become a powerful tool in US politics, with candidates and political
organizations using platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to connect with voters, raise funds,
and spread their message. In recent years, social media has become an essential part of any
political campaign, with candidates investing significant resources in social media advertising
and outreach.
The 2020 US presidential election was no exception, with both the Trump and Biden campaigns
investing heavily in social media advertising and outreach. According to data from the Center for
Responsive Politics, the Trump campaign spent over $84 million on Facebook and Google
advertising in the 2020 election cycle, while the Biden campaign spent over $130 million.
Social media has also become an important tool for political activists and organizations, with
movements such as Black Lives Matter and #MeToo using platforms like Twitter and Instagram
to organize protests, raise awareness, and build support. Social media has enabled these
movements to reach a wider audience and engage in a more direct and immediate form of
activism, with hashtags and viral memes spreading quickly across the internet.
The Impact of Social Media on Voter Behavior
One of the key ways in which social media has impacted the 2020 US presidential election is by
influencing voter behavior. Social media platforms are often used as a source of news and
information, with many voters relying on social media for updates and analysis on the
candidates and their policies.
Studies have shown that exposure to political content on social media can have a significant
impact on voter behavior. For example, a study by the Pew Research Center found that 18% of
US adults who use social media have changed their minds about a political issue after seeing a
post or discussion about it on social media. Additionally, a study by the University of
Pennsylvania found that Facebook users who were exposed to political messages were more
likely to vote and to discuss politics with their friends and family.
Social media can also play a role in shaping the perceptions and opinions of voters, with users
often engaging in echo chambers where they are exposed to information and opinions that align
with their preexisting beliefs. This can lead to a reinforcement of existing attitudes and beliefs,
which can have a significant impact on voter behavior.
The Role of Social Media in Disinformation and Misinformation

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While social media can be a powerful tool for spreading information and shaping public opinion,
it can also be used to spread disinformation and misinformation. The spread of fake news and
conspiracy theories has been a major concern in recent years, with many experts warning that
social media platforms are enabling the spread of false and misleading information.
In the context of the 2020 US presidential election, disinformation and misinformation were a
significant concern, with both the Trump and Biden campaigns accused of spreading false or
misleading information on social media. For example, the Trump campaign was accused of
spreading false information about voter fraud, while the Biden campaign was accused of
spreading false information about Trump's record on healthcare.
Social media platforms also played a role in spreading disinformation and misinformation, with
false or misleading posts and ads spreading quickly across the internet. Facebook and Twitter
both implemented measures to combat the spread of disinformation and misinformation,
including fact-checking measures and policies to remove false or misleading content
Social Media Advertising and Micro-Targeting
Another significant impact of social media on the 2020 US presidential election was the use of
targeted advertising and micro-targeting. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter
offer sophisticated tools for advertisers to target specific demographics and interests, allowing
political campaigns to tailor their message to specific groups of voters.
Micro-targeting involves using data analysis to identify specific groups of voters and target them
with tailored advertising messages. For example, a campaign might target African American
women under the age of 40 who live in swing states with ads focused on healthcare or social
justice issues.
Micro-targeting has become an important tool in US politics, with both the Trump and Biden
campaigns using the technique in the 2020 election. According to data from the Center for
Responsive Politics, the Biden campaign spent over $21 million on digital ads targeting African
American voters, while the Trump campaign spent over $17 million on digital ads targeting
seniors.
While micro-targeting can be an effective way to reach specific groups of voters, it also raises
concerns about privacy and the potential for manipulation. The use of data analysis to target
individuals with specific messages raises questions about the ethical implications of
micro-targeting, and whether it could be used to manipulate voters or spread false information.
The Impact of Social Media on Voter Turnout
Social media has also been shown to have an impact on voter turnout, with studies suggesting
that exposure to political content on social media can increase the likelihood of voting.
According to a study by the University of Pennsylvania, Facebook users who were exposed to
political messages were more likely to vote and to discuss politics with their friends and family.
Social media platforms have also been used to drive voter registration and mobilization efforts,
with campaigns and political organizations using social media to encourage voters to register to
vote and to turn out on election day. For example, the Biden campaign launched a social media
campaign called "Team Joe" aimed at mobilizing young voters, while the Trump campaign used
social media to encourage supporters to vote early.
However, social media can also be used to discourage voter turnout, with false or misleading
information about the election or voting process spreading quickly across the internet. For

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example, the Trump campaign was accused of spreading false information about voter fraud
and encouraging supporters to engage in voter suppression tactics.
Conclusion
The 2020 US presidential election was marked by a significant amount of attention on social
media, with platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram playing a major role in shaping
public opinion and driving voter turnout. While social media can be a powerful tool for political
campaigns and activism, it also raises concerns about the spread of disinformation and
misinformation, as well as the potential for manipulation and privacy violations.
Moving forward, it will be important for policymakers, social media platforms, and the public to
address these concerns and work to ensure that social media is used in a responsible and
ethical manner in future elections. This could involve implementing measures to combat the
spread of disinformation and misinformation, increasing transparency around social media
advertising and micro-targeting, and promoting media literacy and critical thinking skills among
social media users.

Chapter 4: Evidence Against Manipulation

The 2020 US presidential election was one of the most closely contested and polarizing
elections in modern history. The election took place in the midst of a global pandemic, with
widespread concerns about voter safety and the integrity of the election process. Against this
backdrop, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram played a significant
role in shaping public opinion and driving voter turnout.
In the aftermath of the election, there were widespread concerns about the potential for
manipulation and interference in the election process. These concerns were fueled by
allegations of foreign interference in the 2016 US presidential election, as well as by the high
stakes and polarized political climate of the 2020 election. However, a comprehensive analysis
of the evidence suggests that there is little to no evidence of widespread manipulation or
interference in the 2020 US presidential election.
Foreign Interference and Election Security
One of the key concerns leading up to the 2020 US presidential election was the potential for
foreign interference. The 2016 US presidential election was marred by allegations of
interference by the Russian government, which was accused of using social media and other
tactics to influence public opinion and support the election of Donald Trump. In the years since,
there have been ongoing concerns about foreign interference in US elections, particularly from
countries such as China and Russia.
In the lead-up to the 2020 US presidential election, the US government and social media
platforms took a number of steps to try to prevent foreign interference. Facebook, Twitter, and
Google all implemented measures to detect and remove fake accounts and other forms of
coordinated inauthentic behavior. The US government also formed a task force to coordinate
election security efforts and share information with state and local election officials.
Despite these efforts, there were still concerns about foreign interference in the 2020 US
presidential election. However, a comprehensive analysis of the evidence suggests that there is
little to no evidence of significant foreign interference in the election.

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According to a joint statement by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
and the Election Infrastructure Government Coordinating Council (GCC), the 2020 US
presidential election was "the most secure in American history." The statement notes that "there
is no evidence that any voting system deleted or lost votes, changed votes, or was in any way
compromised."
While there were reports of attempts by foreign actors to interfere in the election, including by
Russia and Iran, there is little evidence that these attempts had a significant impact on the
election. The CISA/GCC statement notes that "there is no evidence that any foreign government
or actor had a material impact on the integrity or security of election infrastructure or
political/campaign infrastructure used in the 2020 US elections."
Social Media and Political Advertising
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become increasingly
important in shaping public opinion and driving voter turnout. In the lead-up to the 2020 US
presidential election, both the Trump and Biden campaigns made extensive use of social media
and digital advertising to reach voters.
One concern about social media and political advertising is the potential for manipulation and
the spread of false or misleading information. In the aftermath of the 2016 US presidential
election, there were widespread concerns about the use of social media by Russian operatives
to spread false or misleading information in an attempt to influence public opinion.
In response, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter implemented a number of
measures to combat the spread of disinformation and misinformation. These measures included
fact-checking, labeling, and removal of false or misleading content, as well as restrictions on
political advertising.
Despite these efforts, there were still concerns about the potential for manipulation and the
spread of false information in the 2020 US presidential election. However, a comprehensive
analysis of the evidence
suggests that social media and political advertising did not play a significant role in manipulating
the outcome of the election.
A study by the Oxford Internet Institute found that social media played a limited role in shaping
the public's views on the 2020 US presidential election. The study found that traditional news
sources such as television and newspapers were still the most trusted and influential sources of
information for voters, and that social media was only one of many factors that contributed to
voters' decision-making.
Furthermore, there is little evidence to suggest that political advertising on social media had a
significant impact on the outcome of the election. According to a report by the Center for
Responsive Politics, the Trump and Biden campaigns spent a combined total of over $1.8 billion
on advertising during the 2020 election cycle, with the majority of this spending going towards
television and radio advertising rather than social media.
Additionally, Facebook and Twitter both implemented strict rules and restrictions on political
advertising during the election cycle. Facebook, for example, banned new political ads in the
week leading up to the election, and Twitter banned all political advertising on its platform in late
2019.
Voter Fraud and Irregularities

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One of the most controversial and contentious issues surrounding the 2020 US presidential
election was the issue of voter fraud and irregularities. President Trump and his supporters
repeatedly claimed that the election was "rigged" and that there was widespread voter fraud,
particularly in key battleground states such as Pennsylvania and Georgia.
However, a comprehensive analysis of the evidence suggests that there is little to no evidence
of significant voter fraud or irregularities in the 2020 US presidential election. According to the
CISA/GCC statement, "there is no evidence that any voting system deleted or lost votes,
changed votes, or was in any way compromised."
Similarly, a study by the Brennan Center for Justice found that "voter fraud in the United States
is exceedingly rare, and many instances of alleged fraud are, in fact, mistakes by voters or
administrators." The study notes that there have been only 31 credible allegations of voter
impersonation out of over one billion ballots cast in US elections between 2000 and 2014.
Despite these findings, there were still a number of allegations of irregularities and fraud in the
2020 US presidential election. These allegations included claims of mail-in ballot fraud, vote
counting irregularities, and voter suppression. However, many of these claims were investigated
and debunked by election officials and the courts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a comprehensive analysis of the evidence suggests that there is little to no
evidence of widespread manipulation or interference in the 2020 US presidential election. While
there were concerns about foreign interference, social media manipulation, and voter fraud,
these concerns were largely unfounded or overstated.
Despite the lack of evidence of significant manipulation, the 2020 US presidential election was
still a highly polarizing and controversial election. The election revealed deep divisions within
American society, and underscored the importance of ensuring the integrity and security of the
election process.
Moving forward, it is important for policymakers, election officials, and social media platforms to
continue to work together to prevent foreign interference, combat disinformation and
misinformation, and ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in free and
fair elections. By doing so, we can help to strengthen our democracy and ensure that every
voice is heard.

Chapter 5: Analysis and Conclusion

The 2020 US presidential election was one of the most highly anticipated and contentious
elections in recent history. The election took place against a backdrop of intense political
polarization, social unrest, and a global pandemic, which added to the complexity and
uncertainty of the election process.
In this essay, we have explored the various claims and allegations of manipulation and
interference in the 2020 US presidential election, and have analyzed the evidence to determine
the validity of these claims.
We began by examining allegations of foreign interference in the election, particularly from
Russia and China. While there were concerns about foreign interference, there is little evidence
to suggest that such interference played a significant role in manipulating the outcome of the
election. The CISA/GCC statement and the Mueller report both concluded that Russian

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interference in the 2020 election was limited in scope, and there is no evidence to suggest that
China or any other foreign country interfered in the election.
We then turned to the issue of social media manipulation and political advertising. While there
were concerns about the influence of social media and political advertising on the election, a
comprehensive analysis of the evidence suggests that these factors played a limited role in
shaping public opinion and voter behavior. Traditional news sources such as television and
newspapers were still the most trusted and influential sources of information for voters, and
social media was only one of many factors that contributed to voters' decision-making.
We also examined claims of voter fraud and irregularities, which were a major source of
controversy and contention in the 2020 election. However, a comprehensive analysis of the
evidence suggests that there is little to no evidence of significant voter fraud or irregularities in
the 2020 US presidential election. Despite allegations of irregularities and fraud, many of these
claims were investigated and debunked by election officials and the courts.
Based on our analysis of the evidence, it appears that there is little to no evidence to support
claims of widespread manipulation or interference in the 2020 US presidential election. While
there were concerns about foreign interference, social media manipulation, and voter fraud,
these concerns were largely unfounded or overstated. Instead, the election revealed deep
divisions within American society, and underscored the importance of ensuring the integrity and
security of the election process.
Moving forward, it is important for policymakers, election officials, and social media platforms to
continue to work together to prevent foreign interference, combat disinformation and
misinformation, and ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in free and
fair elections. By doing so, we can help to strengthen our democracy and ensure that every
voice is heard.
In conclusion, the 2020 US presidential election was a highly polarizing and contentious election
that took place against a backdrop of unprecedented challenges and uncertainty. While there
were concerns about manipulation and interference in the election, a comprehensive analysis of
the evidence suggests that these concerns were largely unfounded or overstated. Despite this,
the election highlighted the importance of ensuring the integrity and security of the election
process, and underscored the need for continued vigilance and cooperation in safeguarding our
democracy.

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