Voters' Use of Artificial Intelligence is Increasing and the Search for Information is Transforming
While the rate of AI chatbot usage among U.S. adults is increasing, the reliability and potential errors of these tools in election processes are being debated.
Artificial intelligence is taking on an increasingly prominent role in voters' processes of gathering information about politics and elections; chatbot usage among U.S. adults has risen from one-third in 2024 to around 50 percent in 2026.
The Growing Role of AI in Politics
While artificial intelligence is transforming the way voters acquire information about politics, it brings up new questions regarding how the technology will affect the information-gathering process. In this election cycle, voters are interacting with content generated by artificial intelligence, sometimes without even realizing it.
The Rise in Chatbot Usage Rates
Among adults in America, chatbot usage stood at one-third in 2024, but reached the 50 percent level as of 2026. Research reveals that tools from OpenAI and Google are among the most frequently consulted sources.
Accuracy Rates of Responses and Errors
Researchers warn against the potential for AI bots to provide inconsistent responses. A report revealed that approximately one-third of the answers given to election-related questions were incomplete, erroneous, or outdated.
Responsibilities of Local Election Officials
Experts emphasize that local election officials must keep their websites updated and machine-readable in order for large language models to access accurate data.