The Pennsylvania TV station accidentally airs a test image of Harris winning

A Pennsylvania television station unleashed a firestorm of conspiracy theories when it graphically broadcast the results of the statewide presidential election, even though the election is just days away.

The mistake happened on Sunday, but gained momentum on Wednesday when conservative media, social media skeptics and conspiracy theorists caught wind of it. Many claimed this is “proof” that the election was rigged.

The disruption occurred while the channel was broadcasting a Formula 1 race. Viewers then saw an image at the bottom of their screen showing Vice President Kamala Harris winning Pennsylvania with 52%, compared to former President Donald Trump’s 47%. This caused confusion and concern, with even Elon Musk, the chairman of X, weighing in and calling it a Freudian mistake.

However, the broadcaster responsible says that the error was simply a test that accidentally appeared on air and that there is no evidence of any fraud.

In a statement, WNEP-TV said the numbers were “randomly generated test results intended to help news organizations ensure their equipment is functioning properly ahead of election night.” WNEP said it “regrets the error and apologizes for any confusion.” It says it has taken steps to ensure the error is not repeated.

RELATED STORY | Republicans are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to block the counting of some provisional ballots in Pennsylvania

WNEP-TV further noted that it would not have had access to the vote counts anyway because Pennsylvania law does not allow mail-in ballots to be removed from their envelopes until 7 a.m. on Election Day. votes can be counted until after the polls close at 8 p.m

This error is also not unprecedented. A Detroit TV station made a similar mistake in 2020, and it happened in Arizona in 2022.

Yet the mistake is being held up as “evidence” of election fraud and misconduct, especially by Trump and his allies, without any evidence. Many of the former president’s supporters also pointed out that the Pennsylvania station is an ABC affiliate, as they have often criticized the friendship between Harris and Dana Walden, a Disney Entertainment executive who oversees ABC News. However, the error only aired in the local market and was not affiliated with Disney ABC News.

In the weeks and days leading up to the election, officials across the country have had their hands full combating this type of misinformation. However, they emphasize that despite these isolated incidents, the integrity of this country’s electoral system is intact.