The 2020 Election Was Not Stolen—Here’s What the Evidence Shows (Archived Edition, March 2025)
Misinformation is eroding democracy—here’s what the facts really say.
Misinformation isn’t just about words—it’s about power. False claims about the 2020 election have been used to fuel distrust, justify restrictive voting laws, and even incite violence. When people are led to believe elections are rigged, democracy itself is at risk.
The truth is clear: The 2020 presidential election was free, fair, and secure. Multiple independent audits—including those led by Republicans—confirmed no widespread fraud. More than 60 court cases, including those reviewed by Trump-appointed judges, dismissed fraud claims due to lack of evidence.
Yet, even today, nearly a third of Americans still believe the election was stolen. This isn’t by accident—it’s the result of a deliberate effort to spread misinformation and sow division. History tells us that when democratic institutions are weakened, authoritarianism follows.
So what can we do? We can start by knowing the facts—and sharing them. The verifiable evidence behind the integrity of the 2020 election is clear. Explore the facts, reflect on them, and, if they resonate, share them. Because without truth, democracy cannot stand.
[Read on for the full breakdown.]
Trust in elections is the foundation of a democracy. Yet, false claims about the 2020 election have fueled division, violence, and efforts to undermine democratic processes.
The 2020 presidential election was free, fair, and secure. Multiple independent investigations, recounts, and audits—including those conducted by Republican-led states—confirmed no evidence of widespread fraud that could have changed the election outcome.
More than 60 court cases challenging the election results were dismissed due to lack of evidence, including cases reviewed by Trump-appointed judges (CISA, 2020; Georgia Secretary of State, 2020; AP News, 2020).
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) called the 2020 election "the most secure in American history."
Republican-led election audits in Georgia, Arizona, and Wisconsin reaffirmed Biden’s victory (Georgia Secretary of State, 2020; AP News, 2020).
Election Integrity Confirmed by Audits and Recounts
The Department of Justice under Trump investigated voter fraud claims and found no evidence of widespread fraud (AP News, 2022; AP News, 2023).
Georgia’s election results were verified three times:
A machine count confirmed Biden’s win.
A full hand recount found only a 1,274-vote difference (Georgia Secretary of State, 2020).
A signature audit confirmed no widespread fraud (AP News, 2020).
Arizona’s Republican-led audit in Maricopa County, conducted by the pro-Trump firm Cyber Ninjas, confirmed Biden’s win and found no fraud (Maricopa County Elections Department, 2021; Arizona Mirror, 2021).
Wisconsin’s recount in its two largest counties—requested and funded by Trump’s campaign—resulted in a net gain of 87 votes for Biden (AP News, 2020).
Consequences of False Election Fraud Claims
Threats and Harassment of Election Officials
Election workers—including Republicans—faced death threats and intimidation for refusing to support false fraud claims (AP News, 2021).
Attempts to Overturn a Legitimate Election
False claims of fraud led to:
Pressuring election officials to alter vote counts.
Attempts to block the certification of electoral votes.
The violent January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol (House Select Committee on January 6, 2022).
Misinformation Used to Justify Voting Restrictions
False claims about election fraud have been used to justify new laws restricting voting access, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities (Brennan Center, 2021).
Why This Matters
Public trust in elections is essential for democracy. If Americans do not trust elections, the entire system is at risk.
A significant percentage of Americans still believe this false claim. Polls show that misinformation continues to shape public opinion (NBC News, 2023).
History shows that when election results are systematically questioned without evidence, democratic institutions erode, and authoritarian leaders seize power under the guise of "restoring order." The health of American democracy depends on ensuring that facts—not falsehoods—shape public perception.
What Can Be Done?
Be an advocate for truth. Share verified election facts with those who may have been misled.
Challenge misinformation when encountered. Providing accurate, well-sourced information helps counter false claims.
Hold leaders accountable. Elected officials must not be allowed to distort election integrity for political gain.
Citations:
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). (2020). Joint Statement from Elections Infrastructure Government Coordinating Council & the Election Infrastructure Sector Coordinating Executive Committees, November 12, 2020. Retrieved from: CISA website. https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/joint-statement-elections-infrastructure-government-coordinating-council-election-infrastructure
Georgia Secretary of State. (2020). 2020 General Election Risk-Limiting Audit Results. Retrieved from: Georgia SOS Website. https://sos.ga.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/11.19_.20_risk_limiting_audit_report_memo_1.pdf
Georgia Secretary of State. (2020). Historic First Statewide Audit of Paper Ballots Upholds Result of Presidential Race. Retrieved from: Georgia SOS Website. https://sos.ga.gov/news/historic-first-statewide-audit-paper-ballots-upholds-result-presidential-race
Associated Press (AP News). (2020). Georgia Again Certifies Election Results Showing Biden Won. Retrieved from: AP News. https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-georgia-elections-4eeea3b24f10de886bcdeab6c26b680a
Associated Press (AP News). (2020). Completed Wisconsin recount confirms Biden’s win over Trump. Retrieved from: AP News. https://apnews.com/general-news-7aef88488e4a801545a13cf4319591b0
Maricopa County Elections Department. (2021). Maricopa County Election Audit Results Confirm No Fraud. Retrieved from: Maricopa.gov
Arizona Mirror. (2021), Arizona ‘Audit’ shows finds Biden won (by more votes) and No Evidence of Fraud., September 23, 2021.
Associated Press (AP News). (2021). Trump, on tape, presses GA. official to “find him votes”. Retrieved from: AP News
House Select Committee on January 6. (2022). Final Report on the January 6th Attack. Retrieved from: GovInfo.gov
Brennan Center for Justice. (2021). Voting Laws Roundup. Retrieved from: Brennan Center
NBC News. (2023). Almost A Third of All Americans Believe the 2020 Election Result was Fraudulent. Retrieved from: NBC News