Fact Check: Debunking Misinformation About the Omicron Variant and Election Influence
False
All viruses naturally evolve over time, developing into new strains, or “variants,” which are then labeled depending on the number of mutations it has and scientists’ predictions on its behavior.
The WHO officially designated B.1.1.529, or Omicron, a variant of concern on November 26, 2021, due to its high number of genetic mutations. Since then, mis- and disinformation has spread on social media regarding the variant, including that politicians created the variant to push for mail-in ballots and influence next year’s midterm elections.
First, all viruses naturally change and mutate over time as they replicate and spread. Variants and new strains occur when the virus has one or more mutations from the original virus. Most mutations have little to no impact on the behavior of the virus. However, sometimes significant mutations to a virus’ genetic material can lead to increased transmissibility, severe disease, or other changes that lead to it being a “Variant of Concern” (VOC). The Omicron variant, for example, has over 50 mutations that classify it as VOC and something scientists are studying closely.
Second, politicians – or anyone else – do not have the ability to influence viral mutations. South Africa and Botswana first noticed that genetic changes and started sequencing the variant in early November, before reporting their findings to WHO. Multiple countries aside from the US around the world have since reported Omicron cases.
Third, vote-by-mail and absentee ballots have been legitimate ways of voting since the Civil War, and have exceedingly rare rates of fraud, just like other voting methods.
The claim that politicians are exaggerating the risk of the Omicron variant as an excuse to improperly influence elections is False.
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References and Further Reading:
World Health Organization. The effects of virus variants on COVID-19 vaccines. 01 March 2021.
Paul Adepoju. Devex. Why South Africa keeps detecting COVID-19 variants like omicron. 06 December 2021.
Spencer Kimball. CNBC. WHO says omicron Covid variant has spread to 38 countries. 03 December 2021.
The Associated Press. New variant cause for concern, not panic, Biden tells U.S. 29 November 2021.
Jessica Pearce Rotondi. History Channel. Vote by Mail Has a Long History in the United States. 02 November 2020.
Ballotpedia. Absentee/mail-in ballot vote fraud.
