In a bold and innovative move, Andrew Gray, an aspiring British politician, utilized crowdsourcing and artificial intelligence (AI) to formulate his political platform. While his strategy may have seemed unsuccessful, with Gray finishing 11th out of 13 candidates and receiving just 99 votes, one expert views it as a courageous endeavor. Alan Mendoza, co-founder and executive director of the Henry Jackson Society, acknowledged the potential impact of AI on how political parties in the UK gather and target data, as well as shape their campaigns. Mendoza predicts that the emergence of an AI-inspired winning candidate is not far off, most likely from one of the major parties already equipped with electoral advantages.
Gray entered a surprise parliamentary by-election in Selby and Ainsty, North Yorkshire, following the immediate resignation of Conservative Party member Nigel Adams. Although Keir Mather, a 25-year-old Labour Party candidate, ultimately secured the seat, Gray’s AI-generated political manifesto earned him more votes than the Climate Party candidate and an independent candidate.
Gray’s approach involved inviting constituents to share their concerns about local issues on his website using a program called Pol.is. This unique technology, originally developed by a Seattle-based group and notably employed in Taiwan for resolving deadlocked issues, provided Gray with a means of engaging with his community. Pol.is utilizes machine learning in real-time to analyze user statements, identify common ground, and pinpoint gaps between viewpoints. Gray stressed that this method required human moderation, ensuring sensible policy positions.
Stacy Rosenberg, an associate teaching professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, praised the approach for promoting meaningful public engagement. By granting voters a direct voice in the decision-making process, this crowdsourcing method can enhance community participation and benefit both constituents and political campaigns, provided ethical considerations are prioritized.
Rosenberg believes that AI will continue to revolutionize the electoral process, whether through collaborative policy-building or the use of generative AI for speechwriting and marketing materials. However, she emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between AI’s involvement and human interaction to foster trust and prevent insincere engagement. Voters want candidates who share their views and are not easily swayed by shifting public opinions.
While AI adoption by politicians can demonstrate technological knowledge and appeal to younger demographics, it is crucial to address the concerns of skeptics and maintain interpersonal skills to appeal to all constituents. Although Gray did not succeed in the election, he intends to share the data he collected from Pol.is, which garnered approximately 7,500 votes but represents only a fraction of the total voting population in his constituency.
With a registered electorate of over 80,000, the voter turnout of approximately 36,000 in this by-election marked a drop compared to the 2019 general election. Despite Gray’s setback, his innovative approach reflects the potential for AI-driven political campaigns to transform the democratic process. The integration of AI, when properly managed, can empower voters and politicians alike, shaping a more inclusive and participatory political landscape.
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