Real-time fact-checking can change people’s opinion about a candidate, but only if the ratings are decisive.

Fact-checking of political events has become an important component of 21st century political campaigns. But does fact-checking actually influence how people vote? In new research, Amanda Wintersieck finds that voters’ evaluations of a candidate’s debate performance – and the chances that they will vote for them – are improved when fact-checks confirm they are making accurate statements. “Half-true” fact check ratings, on the other hand, had no impact on voters’ support for candidates.