With the 2024 General Election approaching, misinformation has reared its head in Cibola County, targeting one of the key candidates for State House of Representatives in District 6.
Paul Spencer, the Republican Party Chair and candidate for the State House seat, recently discovered that someone created a Facebook page pretending to be him, sparking concerns about the spread of false information.
Spencer, who is running to unseat long-serving Democratic incumbent Eliseo Lee Alcon, expressed his frustration over the impersonation. 'It’s clear that this is someone who disagrees with my policies and is trying to smear my name before the election,' Spencer said. He is particularly worried that the impersonator will use the fake account to damage his reputation, sharing false information or inflammatory statements that could mislead voters.
Misinformation has become an increasingly common problem for local elections across the country, and Cibola County is no exception. Election officials, including New Mexico’s Secretary of State, have urged voters to be cautious and critical of the information they encounter online, particularly when it comes from unverified sources.
A Broader Issue
Spencer’s situation is emblematic of a larger issue seen in modern-day politics.
While major national elections often face widespread disinformation campaigns, local races—like those for the Cibola County Commission and state legislative seats—are equally susceptible to such tactics. The rise of social media has made it easier for malicious actors to spread false or misleading information, often anonymously, and undermine the integrity of candidates.
'I’m doing everything I can to clarify what’s true and what’s not,' Spencer said, adding that he has reported the impersonation to Facebook in hopes of having the account taken down. However, with the general election just weeks away, there is still concern that the damage could be done before voter’s head to the polls.
What Can Voters Do?
Election officials and candidates alike urge voters to seek information from trusted and verified sources, such as the candidates’ official social media profiles, campaign websites, and reputable news outlets. Voters are also encouraged to check with local government offices, like the Cibola County Clerk, for accurate information about voting procedures and election security.
Misinformation often thrives in environments of confusion, and with contentious races for local office in Cibola County, it is more important than ever for voters to stay informed. Candidates like Spencer are not alone in their fight against disinformation. Election officials are working to educate voters and promote transparency in the process.
To help avoid misinformation about local candidates in the 2024 General Election, the Cibola Citizen is putting together an easyto- use Voter’s Guide, it will be easy to transport and you can take it into the ballot box with you. Be part of this guide to the most important election of our time, contact the newspaper’s team at 505-287-3840.