As Election Day draws closer, with just under two months remaining, this cycle has introduced something new: artificial intelligence. AI is now a key player, which means voters must be extra vigilant about the information they come across before heading to the polls. Experts at an AARP tele-town hall recently emphasized the need to sift through false and misleading information, which can be even trickier with the advent of AI technology.
With AI tools now capable of mimicking voices and creating convincing videos, it’s easier than ever for voters to be misled. These AI-generated “deepfakes” can be used to embarrass candidates, cast doubt on election integrity, or spread confusion about important details like when and where to vote. One example highlighted was an AI-generated robocall pretending to be President Joe Biden, telling Democratic voters to skip New Hampshire’s primary. In Slovakia, a deepfake audio recording was circulated, making it seem as if a candidate was plotting to rig ballot boxes.
This is especially concerning in an environment where many people are already skeptical about election security. There are individuals actively working to undermine trust in the process, and AI gives them an even more dangerous tool to use. The rise of deepfakes could be a powerful weapon for spreading doubt and making voters question the validity of the election system, which could ultimately weaken public trust.
Tim Harper, a senior policy analyst, pointed out that AI can also contribute to the spread of misinformation by everyday people who might not even realize they’re sharing something false. With the use of AI-generated content, foreign actors and bad players can flood social media with fake posts to manipulate public opinion. Even worse, AI can be used to send deceptive text messages to voters, exploiting publicly available information to make it seem legitimate. A text might claim that voting at a certain location is postponed due to a fake issue like a fire, which could discourage people from showing up at the polls.
To combat this wave of disinformation, voters are encouraged to be more cautious about what they see on social media. Verifying the source of posts, using fact-checking websites like Snopes or PolitiFact, and relying on trusted officials for voting details are some of the best ways to ensure they’re not being misled. As AI continues to evolve, staying informed and alert is more critical than ever to protect the integrity of elections.
