Salt Lake City — As Utah’s municipal and school board elections unfolded on November 5, 2025, Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson, the state’s top election official, issued a timely warning to the public about fabricated election results circulating online. These false reports, generated using artificial intelligence, aim to mislead voters before polls officially close at 8 p.m.
The Warning: Don’t Be Fooled by Fake Results
In a post on the social media platform X shortly before 3 p.m. on Election Day, Lt. Gov. Henderson emphasized the importance of verifying information:
“Don’t be fooled! These are not real!” she stated, attaching an example image of fabricated results for the Ogden City Council race marked clearly as “FAKE.”
Henderson underscored that no official election results would be released until all polls close at 8 p.m., advising Utahns to wait for verified updates.
Combating Misinformation in the Digital Age
The proliferation of AI-generated disinformation reflects a growing challenge in modern elections. As Helena reports on similar national trends, social media platforms can rapidly spread conspiracy theories and fake visuals, undermining public trust in the electoral process.
Utah’s proactive communication from election officials like Henderson represents critical efforts to safeguard election integrity and voter confidence. She directs voters to trusted resources for official results and the state’s elections website.
How Utah Ensures Secure Elections
Utah’s election system employs stringent safeguards, including transparent vote counting and robust auditing processes. The State Office of the Lieutenant Governor provides continual updates and voter information, helping residents navigate election procedures with assurance.
The importance of waiting for official, certified results cannot be overstated, especially amid heightened concerns over misinformation campaigns nationwide.
As voting concludes, Utah’s Lieutenant Governor and election authorities remain vigilant against false narratives that threaten to confuse or discourage voters. Upholding the transparency and accuracy of election results ensures the democratic process remains strong in the Beehive State.
