POLICY WIRE FACT CHECK: Did election officials remove early-voting site from North Carolina’s largest HBCU?
The Claim A viral social media post and article circulated widely online, alleging that election officials in North Carolina had removed an early-voting site from the state’s largest...
The Claim
A viral social media post and article circulated widely online, alleging that election officials in North Carolina had removed an early-voting site from the state’s largest historically Black college or university (HBCU). The claim was attributed to a post shared by a user on a major platform, which included a screenshot of what appeared to be a news headline from a local outlet. The post suggested that the removal of the early-voting location at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) was an attempt to suppress voter access, particularly among Black voters.
The original source of the claim was linked to a Google News Fact Check article titled "Did election officials remove early-voting site from North Carolina’s largest HBCU?" published by wfae.org. The article itself did not make a definitive claim but rather raised questions about the accuracy of the viral content. However, the claim gained traction on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit, with users sharing it as if it were verified information.
The Details & Investigation
Upon reviewing the original Google News Fact Check article and cross-referencing it with official records, press releases, and statements from North Carolina election authorities, no evidence was found to support the claim that an early-voting site was removed from NCCU. According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, early voting locations are typically set up based on population density, accessibility, and logistical feasibility. While NCCU is the largest HBCU in North Carolina, it is not a traditional polling place for general elections, as it does not have a permanent voting site established for all voters.
Further investigation revealed that the original claim may have been based on a misinterpretation of a statement made by a local official during a public meeting. A representative from the Durham County Board of Elections confirmed that no early-voting site was removed from NCCU, and that the university continues to serve as a designated early-voting location for specific precincts. Additionally, the NCCU administration issued a statement clarifying that they had not received any official notice regarding the removal of a voting site from their campus.
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There is also no indication of a coordinated disinformation campaign targeting NCCU or its students. The viral nature of the claim appears to stem from a mix of outdated information, contextually misleading headlines, and selective sharing of partial facts. While the claim was not intentionally fabricated, it was disseminated without proper verification, contributing to the spread of misinformation. However, there is no evidence to suggest that the claim was part of a deliberate disinformation effort by any political group or organization.
The Verdict
The viral claim that election officials in North Carolina removed an early-voting site from the state’s largest HBCU is MISLEADING. While the claim was not intentionally fabricated, it was based on incomplete or inaccurate information and was shared widely without proper verification. Official records from the North Carolina State Board of Elections and statements from local election officials confirm that no early-voting site was removed from North Carolina Central University. The university remains a designated early-voting location for certain precincts, and there is no evidence of any policy change that would have affected this status.
Although the claim was not part of a coordinated disinformation campaign, it still qualifies as a case of misinformation due to the lack of factual basis and the potential for public confusion. The spread of such claims can undermine trust in electoral processes and create unnecessary concern among voters, especially in communities that are already vulnerable to voter suppression narratives.
Counter-misinformation & disinformation investigation conducted by PolicyWire Editorial Desk (PW).
