During the second edition of the Electoral Technology Congress, organized by the Center for Electoral Advisory and Promotion (CAPEL), Eduardo Correia, Chief Technology Officer of Smartmatic, shared his insights on the opportunities and challenges that artificial intelligence (AI) brings to the electoral field.
According to Correia, recent studies indicate that companies are generally being more cautious about implementing this technology. After an initial boom, the hype for artificial intelligence has transitioned to a more measured approach.
Smartmatic’s Chief Technology Officer also expressed that “while AI remains a highly relevant topic, it is crucial to recognize that its impact on the recent 2024 elections has not been as decisive as expected.” This does not mean that we should let our guard down. Authorities in the United States need to be especially vigilant during the November elections, as a significant amount of misinformation could be spread with the help of AI.
Correia identified four areas of elections in which AI can assist authorities in improving and making more efficient:
- Data Analysis: AI can facilitate the analysis of historical data on voter turnout, enabling electoral bodies to make projections based on previous patterns.
- Virtual Training: Correia highlighted the use of virtual trainers to train polling station members, thereby improving the quality of training provided and efficiency on election day.
- Intelligent Assistants (Chatbots): The implementation of virtual assistants at polling stations could provide real-time support to resolve issues during election day.
- Document Recognition: Visual computing can be used to optimize the counting processes, thus ensuring greater transparency and speed in vote counting.
For Correia, it is essential to find a balance between the risks, which can be amplified by artificial intelligence, and the opportunities that this technology presents. “While the associated dangers, such as the creation of misinformation and the personalization of cyber-attacks, are real, there are also AI-generated applications that are effective in combating risks.”
To conclude his presentation, Correia called on technology leaders in the elections field to balance the hype and concerns surrounding AI. He emphasized that while today’s landscape is rife with risks such as misinformation and cyber-attacks, it also presents valuable opportunities to revolutionize the way elections are conducted. “The potential of AI is real. Although it’s natural to feel uncertain, it’s crucial to take concrete actions. Let’s focus on building competencies and integrating this technology in ways that enhance, rather than replace, our current efforts.”
The second CAPEL Electoral Technology Congress took place in Panama City from September 17 to 19 and gathered more than 100 representatives from electoral bodies across the Americas. Participating companies had the opportunity to present their products and services through keynote talks directed at the general audience.
Visit this link to watch Correia’s entire presentation.