AI effects on elections

NPR - The organization Independent Center believes that artificial intelligence could be the key to disrupting the two-party system in American politics. Its goal is to elect several independent candidates to the House of Representatives in 2026. By using AI, it aims to identify districts where independent candidates have a chance of success and uncover promising candidates. If they can win even a few seats, it could prevent either party from achieving a majority and upend the way the House currently operates.

➡️ The Independent Center aims to have around 10 candidates in place by spring, targeting a win in at least half of the races. Adam Brandon, a senior adviser at the organization, predicts this might encourage moderate partisans in the House to switch affiliations. 
➡️ AI also provides a good opportunity to get a snapshot of the core issues and concerns of voters by monitoring what people are talking about in real time.
➡️ One criticism the organization receives is that non-winning candidates on the ballot influence which candidate wins — an idea known as "spoilers." But Brett Loyd, who runs the nonpartisan polling and data firm overseeing the polling and research at the Independent Center, argues that critics of independents getting into races have a vested interest in the current system.