False accusations of electoral fraud can significantly diminish the public's trust in the integrity of elections. When these unfounded claims gain traction, they can create a perception that the electoral system is rigged or unfair, leading to widespread skepticism among citizens. This erosion of trust in election processes is critical, as elections are foundational to a functioning democracy.

As Steven Levitsky notes in his book "How Democracies Die," the repercussions extend beyond mere doubt in the electoral outcomes; they can cause individuals to lose faith in democracy as a whole. When people feel that their votes don't matter or that the institutions are compromised, the very principles of democratic governance can be threatened, potentially leading to civic disengagement and instability.