Them all being fake people is definitely the newsworthy bit, but the upsetting the vote by confusing people with names is an old strat.
In the UK in 1970 a certain James Robert Lambert changed his name to Edward James Robert Lambert Heath and ran for MP in Bexley, against the then leader of the Conservative Party, Edward Heath. In the previous election Heath had only won his seat by a hair over 4%.
Where did you learn they were fake people? The article doesn't say it. The article definitely says they contacted several of these "fake people." Maybe they were candidates that had no intention of winning, is that what you are failing to communicate?
Over 1000 people ran for US President in 2020. Are they fake people even if they had no chance of winning? Even if they had no legitimate strategy to win?
I love when disappointed political people blame a 3rd party for their loss when the fault lies with themselves. Get a better message. Connect with the voters better. Don't be a stinky candidate and those votes will be cast for you.. The votes aren't a priori yours.
In the UK in 1970 a certain James Robert Lambert changed his name to Edward James Robert Lambert Heath and ran for MP in Bexley, against the then leader of the Conservative Party, Edward Heath. In the previous election Heath had only won his seat by a hair over 4%.