Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are changing how we gather information. These tools offer a tempting shortcut to becoming an informed citizen, but they carry some risks. Jeremiah Hain, a psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, regularly uses ChatGPT. Recently, he used it to help decide on his choices for mayor and other offices.
Similarly, Mia Taylor, a Los Angeles County resident, faced her election ballot with uncertainty. Seeking guidance, she tried a new AI tool called Claude. This chatbot, developed by Anthropic, can analyze data and have natural conversations. Initially, Claude refused to tell her who to vote for, aiming to avoid political bias. But when Taylor asked for links to progressive groups and strategic voting options, Claude provided detailed voter guides and race descriptions.
Faced with a difficult decision for the mayoral race, Taylor aimed to prevent a win by Spencer Pratt, a Republican candidate. Claude suggested supporting Karen Bass over Nithya Raman. Bass, the incumbent, later won, with both Bass and Raman advancing to the general election.
The use of AI by voters is growing. The 2026 midterms may mark the first time American elections see widespread use of AI for voter decision-making. These tools are influencing how citizens prepare for elections, offering a new way to interact with the voting process.