Electoral Commissioner calls for transparency in the use of AI in upcoming local council elections

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to make an appearance at local council elections in October this year according to the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC). Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel has urged voters to think critically about campaign material, while encouraging campaigners to be transparent in the use of any AI-generated or AI-modified material.

In particular, the VEC is calling for visible labelling on any AI-generated or AI-modified election campaign material to ensure voters are not misled.

‘Getting campaign information to voters is an essential part of the robust contest of ideas in any election. We know that voters are concerned about mis- and disinformation. Voters need reliable and trustworthy information to help them make informed decisions about how to vote,’ Mr Bluemmel said.

‘That is why, as well as the usual authorisation statement requirements, I am urging campaigners to meet community expectations by clearly labelling any election material that has been generated or modified through the use of AI.’

‘Tackling political mis- and disinformation is essential if we are to protect voter confidence in our electoral system. It is the responsibility of all participants, not just the VEC, to maintain that confidence,’ Mr Bluemmel added.

There are no laws in Victoria that regulate truth in political advertising. Voters are encouraged to exercise their own judgement and think critically about the information they see, before deciding to let it influence their vote. Voters should look for an authorisation statement, showing who authorised the distribution of the material.  This is a legal requirement for all election campaign material.

Voters are also reminded to visit the website at vec.vic.gov.au as the source of truth for all information about the election or electoral processes. The VEC will continue to address incorrect information about the election on its misinformation register, which is available on the website.

‘I encourage all voters to think critically about what you see and hear in these local council elections. I also call on campaigners to be responsible and ensure any AI-generated or AI-modified election campaign material is properly authorised and visibly labelled.’