It seems AI is everywhere these days—including the elections.

AI has been quite the hot topic this year. It’s no wonder there’s been a lot of discussion, not just about its futuristic potential, but about its impact on the elections.

AI has the capacity to reshape many aspects of the elections, from campaign strategies to voter security. And, yes, it could also pose risks—especially when it comes to privacy and disinformation.

So, what exactly should you know about AI in elections this year?

How is AI being used in the 2024 election year?

From speeding up processes to securing voter data, AI is playing a larger role than ever in these elections. Here are some key areas where AI is stepping in:

• Polling: AI can quickly analyze public opinion through advanced polling models, offering real-time insights into voter behavior.
• Fact-checking tools: AI-driven fact-checkers are being used to detect and counter false claims.
• Cybersecurity: AI is helping secure election systems against cyberattacks by detecting suspicious behavior.
• Chatbots: AI chatbots are being used to answer voter questions and provide information 24/7—even if the public's response hasn't been particularly welcoming to them.
• Voter segmentation: AI can analyze voter data, helping campaigns target specific demographics more effectively.
• Scams: Unfortunately, AI is also being used in election scams, creating fake content to mislead voters.

What are the pros and cons of using AI in elections?

Every new technological innovation comes with a mix of benefits and risks. Here's a quick breakdown of the good and the bad when it comes to AI in elections:

Pros of AI in elections

• Voter education: AI tools help voters stay informed, delivering accurate information about their candidate’s platforms.
• Voter communications: AI can enhance voter assistance, such as providing automatic responses to election-related inquiries.
• Election administration: Tasks like scanning and counting ballots can be streamlined and automated.
• Election security: AI is helping to safeguard voting infrastructure by identifying potential cybersecurity threats early on.

Cons of AI in elections

• Privacy concerns: AI systems often rely on massive amounts of data, raising issues about how voter information is collected and used.
• Disinformation: AI can generate misleading news or deepfake videos, manipulating public opinion and amplifying political messages to extreme levels—even pushing unverified claims to the forefront.
• Election system interference: Cybercriminals could attempt to disrupt the integrity of the election.
• Election scams: Scammers may use AI to fine-tune their schemes, such as phishing and donation fraud.

How are States handling AI in elections?

As AI becomes more embedded in the election process, several U.S. states are proactively setting up regulations to prevent the misuse of this technology. Here's how a few of them are addressing AI's role in elections:

• Alabama: Alabama has introduced new regulations to mitigate the spread of AI-generated deepfake campaign ads, focusing on transparency and limiting “materially deceptive media.”
• Arizona: Arizona lawmakers passed laws to restrict the use of AI in political advertising, especially in the creation of misleading or false content.
• California: Known for being a tech hub, California has passed laws making it illegal to publish election-related deepfakes 120 days before Election Day and 60 days thereafter.
• Texas: Back in 2019, Texas enacted laws prohibiting the use of AI to produce fake media in political campaigns, particularly when used to deceive voters.
• Washington: Washington State has laws restricting AI election deepfakes all year round.
• Virginia: Similarly to California, Virginia has passed laws that make it illegal to knowingly spread political deepfakes 120 days before Election Day and 60 days thereafter.

With AI's potential to both inform and mislead, more states are likely to follow suit, aiming to strike a balance between leveraging AI's benefits and protecting election integrity. Keep an eye on local legislation to see how your state is handling AI in the voting process.

Keep disinformation at bay

As voters, it’s crucial to keep your eyes open. Disinformation can spread like wildfire, and AI-generated content can make it even harder to distinguish fact from fiction.

However, with the right tools and information, you can learn to discern what’s true and what’s not. Stay safe!