How are partisan individuals using AI to influence the US Election?

An AI-generated picture of a group of Black People smiling next to Donald Trump

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Tabitha von Kaufmann, Research Assistant at the AI Commission for Faith and Civil Society

This is the second of three articles which seek to explore the role of AI in the democratic process. In this article, the focus will be on the use of AI by partisan individuals.  

With the US election soon approaching, the fight for votes on both sides is fiercer than ever. Who has the best policies? Who is more trustworthy? Who will lead the country forward towards a brighter future? These are questions which are occupying the thoughts of both voters and many others spectating around the world. Yet, there is another force at play in the US election, one which is potentially reshaping the way in which US citizens are choosing to cast their vote through the distortion of truth: AI technology. Indeed, over the past few months, there have been countless occasions where various actors have used AI to manipulate information to steer votes one way or another.

AI Manipulation by Partisan Individuals

In January 2024, AI-generated robocalls which imitated Biden’s voice were sent to an estimated 25,000 Hampshire voters and discouraged them from voting in the primary election. The audio message stated ‘We know the value of voting democratic when our votes count. It’s important that you save your vote for the November election.’ The robocalls appeared to be coming from the phone number of Kathy Sullivan, a former state Democratic chairwomen who assisted with a pro-Biden political group.

In March 2024, it was discovered that Black Trump supporters had been creating and sharing AI-generated pictures of groups of Black People smiling next to Donald Trump to help bolster support within Black communities. One image, which features Trump with black voters on a front porch, was reposted with a caption stating that Trump stopped his vehicle to meet these people.

In October 2024, a pro-abortion ad circulating on social media depicts a child making a mess in a house and is accompanied with a voice-over of an AI generated voice of Kamala Harris promoting abortion as an option ‘so we don’t wind up living with a child like this.’ It has since been shown, however, that the video footage was taken from an old John Lewis Advert.  

Direct Implications  

Influencing the way people vote

First and foremost, false AI-generated media may change the way people choose to vote. This is a particular threat to swing voters (people who make up their mind in final days before an election) who may be basing their decision largely of what they see on social media. Furthermore, targeted campaigns and AI algorithms can significantly reduce the diversity of perspectives that individuals are exposed to.  

Eroding Public Trust and Objective Truth

Perhaps the more fundamental implication of AI election media is that continued use will lead to voters to lose trust in anything or anyone. Indeed, this already appears to be the case as indicated by Pew Research Centre who highlight that “57% of US adults say they are very concerned that people or organisations seeking to influence election will use AI to create and distribute fake or misleading information about candidates and campaigns.” In time, people may opt to not vote altogether due to lack of trust in politicians and inability to discern objective truth amidst the multitude of false media. Ultimately, AI severely threatens the integrity of political discourse.‍

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Impact on human values  

Truth and Reality – HIGH RISK

The authenticity of election materials is compromised, making it difficult to discern real information from misinformation.

Authentic Relationships – HIGH RISK

Public trust in government diminishes, leading to a breakdown in relationships and confidence in leadership.

Moral Autonomy – HIGH RISK

Voters may be unduly influenced by AI in their electoral choices. In the case of deepfakes, certain individuals are being used to publicise or promote certain standpoints which are different from their own which strips them of their autonomy.

Dignity of Work – MEDIUM RISK

The fundamental responsibilities of governance are undermined, as leaders may exploit AI to fabricate lies and create misleading narratives for personal gain. True leadership should be defined by character and integrity, not deception.

Cognition and Creativity – MEDIUM RISK

Voter decisions may be swayed by AI algorithms rather than through independent research and critical analysis of political parties.

Privacy and Freedom – LOW RISK

Policy Recommendations  

Ban on Deceptive AI Practices: Implement legal restrictions on the use of AI to impersonate real individuals (e.g., deepfake voices or images) or spread misinformation. Fines could be imposed on campaigns or individuals using AI to mislead voters.

Pledge for Ethical AI Use by Candidates: Political candidates and parties should be encouraged or required to sign a public pledge that they will not use AI in ways that distort truth or manipulate voters.  

Fact-Checking Collaboration: Fund non-partisan, independent fact-checking organisations to work with government agencies, tech companies, and media outlets to provide real-time checks on AI-generated political content

Global AI Ethics Committee for Elections: Considering that the manipulative use of AI in elections often arises in a trans-national context, countries could collectively create an international body that monitors AI's role in political processes globally, working with countries to improve regulations and share best practices for preventing AI-driven election manipulation.

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References

Fake Biden robocall tells voters to skip New Hampshire primary election - BBC News

Trump supporters target black voters with faked AI images - BBC News

Old John Lewis advert has been altered to include a fake voiceover ‘by Kamala Harris’ – Full Fact

AI in the 2024 election: Most Republicans, Democrats are concerned | Pew Research Center

How AI Is Being Used to Influence the 2024 Election (nymag.com)

AI's growing influence: How election integrity is at risk worldwide (techwireasia.com)

AI will change American elections, but not in the obvious way (economist.com)

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