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Protecting Michigan Voters from AI-Generated Election Misinformation

Protecting Michigan Voters from AI-Generated Election Misinformation

Protecting Michigan Voters from AI-Generated Election Misinformation

Dear Michigan Voters,

Do you have a plan to vote this fall?

My department is working to answer your questions, protect public safety and carry out the will of the voters. Every election, we collaborate with other agencies at the local, state, and federal level to ensure Michigan's elections remain safe, accurate, and fair.

Technology makes it easier than ever to access information about elections, as well as candidates and their policy positions. Unfortunately, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has also made it easy for misinformation on all of the same topics to spread to voters. That’s why when it comes to election information, you should always double-check your facts with at least one official source – like a trusted news outlet, your local clerk, or the Michigan Bureau of Elections.

As part of our efforts to combat misinformation this election season, my department put together the following guide to help you recognize artificial intelligence and access accurate information about elections online. The Michigan Voter Information Center is also an invaluable resource to help you register, determine your polling location, track your ballot, and more.

Our democracy is stronger when people are well-informed and when there is widespread participation among eligible voters. Remember to cast your ballot on or before November 5 to make your voice heard this fall.

Sincerely,

Dana Nessel

Attorney General Dana Nessel
Election day concept. Abstract USA flag, futuristic technology with glowing circuits. Electronic voting (e-voting) concept.

AI’s Role in Spreading Election Misinformation

AI could potentially be used to spread election misinformation.

With convincing deepfakes and AI-generated content on the rise, it can often be difficult to detect fact from fiction.

What is a deepfake?

A deepfake is a video or audio that has been digitally altered – whether it be someone's face or voice – to convincingly make it look like they said or did something that did not happen.

Particularly, with developments in AI technology, deepfakes can be hard to spot and can be used to purposefully spread false information.

 

Safety system, biometrics and face recognition concept with digital access interface and young man face, double exposure.
Email concept with spam and virus computer monitor internet security concept, businessman reading electronic mail with a laptop. Spam, junk and e-marketing on screen, Spam Email Pop-up.

Other Deceptive uses of AI

AI can also be used in many ways, including to generate customized emails, phone calls, and text messages that can interact with the people receiving them such that they seem to be conversations with real human beings.

Spot the Difference

If you see any videos, images, or information about elections on social media purporting to come from public officials, first verify that the content was posted by the official accounts of election or government officials or trusted news sources.

For example, you may see a video of Secretary Benson speaking about the election or a screenshot of a press release. It is worth checking who posted materials, and when in doubt confirming that other official sources are sharing similar information.

Would you be able to spot the difference between a real call or video and an AI-manipulated one?

AI-Generated Fake Audio - Listen and Learn

The threat of AI scams is ever-growing, which is why Help Me Hank teamed up with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to run a test and alert people to how easy it is to get scammed.
Group of young people using smartphone on wall. Network connection technology concept with free.

Evaluate Sources on Social Media

When in doubt, seek confirmation from multiple trusted sources. Merely being “verified” does not make an account trustworthy because impersonators can get verified.

Additionally, verified accounts with large followings may share election misinformation – intentionally or unintentionally. It's important to note that state and local election officials are the most trusted sources for accurate voting and election-related information. 

Some search engines show you AI-generated summaries at the top of search results. If you are searching for information about elections and voting, like registering to vote, requesting absentee ballots, or filling out a ballot, do not rely on AI-generated summaries. Instead, always go directly to the websites of your local clerk, the Michigan Bureau of Elections, or the Michigan Department of State.

AI chatbots rely on a variety of often unknown sources in producing their responses. Don't rely on AI chatbots for information about elections and voting, like registering to vote, requesting an absentee ballot, or filling out a ballot. Always go directly to your local clerk's website or the Michigan Department of State.

Under Michigan law, it is a crime to knowingly distribute deceptive media about elections. If you violate the law, you can be prosecuted. See MCL 168.932f for the full law.

Spotting Election Misinformation

Spotting election misinformation

Spotting Election Misinformation

Social media can be a dangerous place to get information for the election.

We've found some posts that spread information and have corrected them for you.

Misinformation regarding Michigan registered voters. Correct Information: There are 7.2M active registered voters and 7.9M citizens of voting age in Michigan.

Misinformation Example One

Correct Information:

There are 7.2M active registered voters 7.9M citizens of voting age in Michigan.

Misinformation regarding Michigan registered voters. Correct Information: There are 7.2M active registered voters and 7.9M citizens of voting age in Michigan.

Misinformation Example Two

Correct Information:

Under Federal Law, the National Voter Registration Act, voters must be inactive for two federal election cycles before being removed.

Removing these names before the election would violate the law.

Young Latin woman smiling confident holding vote working at electoral college.

Important Information You Should Always Verify

If you see or hear anything about these topics, you should verify it by checking with your local clerk, the Michigan Bureau of Elections, or the Michigan Department of State:

  • Polling location changes or closures;
  • Polling location opening and closing times;
  • All voting deadlines, including deadlines for registering to vote, requesting absentee ballots, and returning absentee ballots;
  • Ballot instructions;
  • Eligibility to vote; and
  • Anything else that affects your ability to vote.
Visit the Michigan Department of State website

Check the Facts

If you are unsure whether a story or claim is true, you can get trusted, verified nonpartisan information from the Michigan Department of State, the Michigan Bureau of Elections, your local clerk and these websites:

Report Misinformation

If you see misleading or inaccurate information regarding voting or elections in Michigan, please report it—and include an image if possible.

Plates of fact and fake with figures who chose them. Misinformation and propaganda concept.