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Source criticism

During elections to the Swedish Parliament, Regional Council and Municipal Council, incorrect or misleading information may be spread. Protecting the security and integrity of elections therefore also means being able to recognise such information.

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Please note that all forms, digital applications (e-services) and some linked websites are currently in Swedish. Contact Citizen Service if you need help in English.

Secure and reliable elections

Conducting an election securely and reliably is not only about polling stations and vote counting. It is also about protecting information about the election. Incorrect or misleading information about how elections work may sometimes be spread. This could, for example, involve incorrect opening hours for polling stations or rumours intended to reduce trust in the election.

Today, it is important to be able to assess information and think critically about sources. This helps you distinguish between accurate information and information that may be incorrect or misleading.

Who is saying what – and why?

Thinking critically about sources means considering where the information comes from. Some sources are more reliable than others. Those who spread information often have a purpose. This could, for example, be other countries or groups that want to influence you or harm Swedish interests.

One common method is to create stories, known as narratives. These may be completely false or partly true, but biased or taken out of context. The purpose may be to mislead, create concern or divide people.

A good question to start with is: Who is saying what – and why?

Who is behind the information?

  • Can you find the original source?
  • Is it a public authority, organisation, company, private individual or influencer?
  • Is it someone with knowledge of the subject?
  • Is it possible to see who is responsible for the information?

What does the source look like?

  • Is contact information provided?
  • If the source is digital, do the links work?
  • Are there credible references?
  • If the source is online, does it show when it was last reviewed?
  • Is the source reliable, and has it previously shared verified information?

Why does the information exist?

  • Is it intended to inform you about something? To deceive you?
  • To spread an opinion about something or someone?
  • To sell something? To entertain?

Who benefits if you share the information?

  • Could someone benefit from presenting the information in a biased way?

Does the information reinforce your own opinion?

  • If so, it is a good idea to look for more information, seek out more perspectives and challenge your own view.

How old is the information?

  • Is it still relevant and up to date? Is there newer, updated information, or has the information been questioned?

How did you find the information?

  • Is the source reliable? Has it shared verified information before?

Can you find the information from other sources?

  • Information from only one source should be treated with great caution.
  • Have you compared the source with what you already know?
  • Have you compared the source with other sources?

Does the information seem unlikely or unreasonable?

  • If so, be extra critical and examine it carefully.

Want to improve your source criticism skills?

If you want to improve your source criticism skills, you can take the Swedish Internet Foundation’s short courses (in swedish) External link.. They take 4–6 minutes.

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Contact

Citizen Service

E-mail: kommunen@boden.se

Phone: +46 921 620 00