The first presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump was aired June 27 on CNN. An estimated 51.3 million people watched, according to a preliminary count by Nielsen Media Data.

A change to the debate structure provided the ability to hear a candidate’s responses without interruption from his opponent, as the microphone for the person not asked a question was silenced until it was his turn to speak.

There was also no audience, according to a statement on the changes by CNN.

Silenced microphones are a good start to a more diplomatic and respectful forum. It’s sad that such a policy had to be put in place, but here we are …

A silenced microphone, however, does not stop the spread of misinformation spoken by candidates and then shared by viewers.

Do you know what can? Fact checking.

Voters deserve to hear truthful statements so they can make a decision they feel good about on Election Day. Unfortunately, some candidates offer half-truths; others, outright lies.

The voters’ decision should also be an educated one. But how do they get to the truth?

Fact checking.

I never watch a debate without two fact checkers operating beside me — one on my cellphone and the other on my laptop. Each is logged into a different fact-checking organization that I trust.

I want to know if candidates’ statements are true as soon as they are said out loud. Fact checkers provide that service.

Honesty and truth matter to me. So does my integrity as an educated person. I would never want to repeat something as “truth” if, in fact, it’s not. It feels irresponsible to discuss the issues discussed during the debate without verifying the statements made.

I don’t want to be a part of the problem by spreading misinformation. I’d rather be part of the solution by repeating only information I have found to be correct.

You, too, can stay educated on what is fact and what is not. News stations and fact-checking organizations have information posted online. Read for yourself which statements are spot-on, stretched a bit or completely false.

No matter what side of the aisle you lean toward, you know this presidential election is a critical one.

I encourage you to think for yourself, to advocate on your own behalf.

Use a fact checker or two – or as many as you’d like. Gather all the correct information. Scrap the lies. Share only the truth.

Kelly Lutterschmidt is editor of the Whitehall-Coplay Press, Northampton Press and Catasauqua Press.