Use of Artificial Intelligence in North Carolina Elections Sparks Debate

In the elections held in North Carolina, it has been observed that generative artificial intelligence has begun to be widely used in political campaigns. AI-generated materials targeting candidates such as Sarah Stevens, Michael Whatley, Rachel Cook, Jamie Ager, and Jessica Bichler have sparked controversy during the electoral process.

Five main incidents in which artificial intelligence was used caught attention during the North Carolina election cycle. Among these are AI-generated images circulating on Facebook that resemble state Supreme Court candidate Sarah Stevens, featuring flaws in teeth shape and collar details. Additionally, questions were raised by social media graphics featuring AI-generated Carolina Hurricanes players in U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley's campaign.

The North Carolina Senate Majority Fund distributed attack mailers containing an AI image targeting Rachel Cook. The campaign of 11th Congressional District candidate Jennifer Balkcom turned a quote by Democrat Jamie Ager into an attack ad featuring AI-generated drag queens, leading to threats of lawsuits. Lastly, State Senator Mike Lee's campaign received a cease-and-desist letter after running an ad featuring distorted images of Democratic opponent Jessica Bichler.