In this high-stakes election year, it’s never been more important that voters have unimpeded access to reliable and truthful information about the candidates, the issues and the voting process. Amid an already fraught information ecosystem, artificial intelligence (AI) adds an additional alarming layer of risk.
That’s why Aspen Digital’s AI Elections Advisory Council created three risk checklists focused on areas where AI tools make it easier for bad actors to discourage and disinform: hyperlocal voter suppression, language-based influence operations, and deepfaked public figures.
The Advisory Council is a non-partisan group composed of civil society and technology leaders taking steps to build democratic resilience in the face of AI. The Council is chaired by Alondra Nelson, Klon Kitchen, and Kim Wyman. It is part of our ongoing AI Elections Initiative, which works to secure the US elections in November and beyond.
“Understanding the threat is the first line of defense for our elections. But we all have a role in responding. We already place a huge burden on local election officials and volunteers to defend our democracy. This guidance spells out the role voters, the news media, local leaders — and most importantly, the tech companies themselves — can play in the weeks, days, hours, and minutes leading up to the polls closing. We can limit AI risks and keep our elections fair and safe.” — Alondra Nelson
“State and local election officials are the backbone of our system and AI challenges won’t stand in the way of free, fair, and trustworthy elections. These checklists equip election officials and others with the information they need before November.” — Kim Wyman
“In the noisy space of AI and elections, we’ve zeroed-in on key areas where AI misuse adds unique risk. The actions we outline will help communities counter bad actors who want to mislead and discourage voters.” — Klon Kitchen
