Victor Miller, a candidate for the Cheyenne mayoral seat, conceded the race after voters preferred human governance over his proposal for an artificial intelligence entity named “VIC” to make city decisions. Miller’s campaign attracted attention for its innovative approach, claiming that AI could eliminate corruption and improve efficiency. However, his campaign faced significant hurdles, including restrictions from OpenAI regarding political use. Ultimately, Miller received only 3% of the vote, underscoring the challenges of introducing AI into traditional political structures. Analysts warn that while AI has potential benefits, it also poses risks, particularly related to election disinformation.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI candidate for mayor concedes election | Human governance preferred over AI governance | Increased public skepticism towards AI in politics | Desire for transparency and accountability in governance |
| AI promises efficient city management | Shift from human decision-making to AI algorithms | AI-human collaboration in political processes | Efficiency and corruption reduction aspirations |
| Use of AI in political campaigning emerges | Legal restrictions from AI use in politics | Established guidelines for AI in campaigning | Growing influence of AI technology in society |
| Voter response shows AI governance skepticism | From curiosity about AI to rejection by voters | Voter demands for human-led governance | Concerns over trust and ethical governance |
| Rise in election disinformation threats | Growing concern about AI-generated misinformation | Enhanced measures to combat AI disinformation | Increased accessibility of AI technology |