The Threat of Election Deniers and AI Generated FOIA Requests

The issue of election deniers inundating local election officials with paperwork and filing numerous Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests has become a growing concern in recent years. This overwhelming flood of requests has been described as untenable by experts in the field. Election workers are finding themselves spending countless hours responding to these requests, taking away precious time from their actual election duties. This not only puts a strain on the workers but also poses a potential threat to the electoral process itself.

In response to the massive influx of FOIA requests following the 2020 presidential elections, some states have had to take legislative action to address the issue. Washington state, for example, had to reroute these requests to the Secretary of State’s office to ease the burden on local elections workers. The testimony from county auditors highlighted the substantial time and resources required to respond to these requests. The cost and manpower needed to process such requests can be overwhelming for smaller counties, potentially leading to significant challenges in administering elections.

The use of generative AI technology by election deniers poses a new and concerning threat to the electoral process. Chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot have the capability to generate FOIA requests at a rapid pace, referencing state-level laws and specific details related to voter fraud. This automation could result in an even greater volume of requests being sent to local election officials, further complicating their ability to ensure smooth and efficient elections. Experts warn that governments are ill-prepared to defend against this new form of attack, and AI companies lack the necessary safeguards to prevent their systems from being abused in this manner.

As we approach critical election years, it is imperative that measures be taken to address the threat of election deniers and AI-generated FOIA requests. The potential for these malicious actors to disrupt the electoral process and divert resources away from legitimate election duties is a significant concern. Governments must develop strategies to protect local election officials and ensure that they are not overwhelmed by frivolous requests. Additionally, AI companies must implement safeguards to prevent their technology from being misused for harmful purposes.

The combination of election deniers and AI-generated FOIA requests presents a formidable challenge to the integrity of the electoral process. It is essential that proactive steps be taken to safeguard against these threats and protect the sanctity of elections. By addressing these issues head-on, we can ensure that elections are conducted fairly, efficiently, and free from interference.