Is social media being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states?

Lies surrounding coronavirus are being spread to stop voters from showing up

Question: Is social media being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states?
Position1 of 2›: Yes, social media is being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states
Argument‹4 of 6›: Lies surrounding coronavirus are being spread to stop voters from showing up

Social media is being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states. Lies surrounding coronavirus are being used to target elderly and vulnerable voters from showing up to vote.

The argument

Lies surrounding the coronavirus pandemic are being spread to stop voters from showing up. For example, on Super Tuesday, some Tweets were circulated stating things like: “warning that everyone over age 60 that #coronavirus has been reported at ALL polling locations for #SuperTuesday.” The misinformation spanned the political spectrum, with some Republican supporters circulating misinformation about the risk of catching coronavirus in California's polling places and Biden voters being at risk. Michael Berry, a conservative Texas talk show host tweeted: “Biden supporters should stay away from public places during this time of Wuhan sickliness. Like polling places. Please stay home." Fears about coronavirus are concerning not only for older voters, but also for the older Americans who make up the bulk of volunteers and paid workers for polling places on election days.

Premises

[P1]False claims on social media about coronavirus risks at polling places have been circulated targeting specific voter groups on key election days. [P2] Such misinformation discourages vulnerable and disenfranchised voters, especially older Americans in contested areas, from showing up to vote. [C] Therefore, social media is being used to target the disenfranchised in swing states by spreading coronavirus lies to suppress their turnout.

Counter-arguments

People will not fall for lies surrounding coronavirus to prevent them from showing up to vote in the US elections. They understand the risks surrounding the virus and will take the necessary precautions in order to remain safe.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P1] The examples establish that false claims circulated, not that they were aimed at disenfranchised voters in swing states. The instances given run in both partisan directions and include a Texas broadcaster, which is not a coordinated operation in a contested state. [Rejecting P2] The discouragement effect is assumed rather than measured. Exposure to a message is not persuasion by it, and research on misinformation and turnout generally finds small effects concentrated among people already disinclined to vote. [Rejecting C] 'Disenfranchised' also does not describe the group named. Older voters are among the most reliable participants in American elections, and the argument slides between vulnerability to a virus and exclusion from the franchise.