In the lead-up to the 2026 municipal elections, a growing number of voters in Ontario are turning to AI chatbots for information about candidates and issues. This reflects a worrying trend in which reliance on automated systems is replacing more traditional forms of voter engagement. Experts have voiced concerns regarding the implications of this shift, suggesting that it may curtail civic involvement and diminish critical human judgement in the electoral process.
During the recent provincial election in Quebec, researchers noted that approximately 40 per cent of voters used AI chatbots, many of whom received outdated and erroneous information about the election. This raises significant questions about the reliability of such digital resources, especially when they are used to influence electoral choices. Voters seeking clarity or additional insights may inadvertently find themselves misled by the information provided, complicating the decision-making process.
The case of Eric Apps, a Toronto lawyer, exemplifies this trend. Despite having some ideas about his voting preferences, Apps sought a secondary source to validate his choices, indicating a willingness among some voters to rely on digital tools rather than traditional methods of gathering information. This reliance raises concerns about whether voters can make fully informed decisions in an increasingly digital landscape.
As the elections approach, the role of technology in the democratic process will likely continue to be scrutinised, particularly regarding its impact on voter engagement and the quality of information obtained from AI systems.
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