Artificial Intelligence and Elections: Arizona Lawmakers Bring Experts Together to Explore What’s Next

Artificial intelligence has already changed the way we live, work, and communicate—but could it also change the way we vote? That’s the question Arizona lawmakers hope to unpack next week when Representative Alexander Kolodin brings together some of the nation’s top minds in technology, law, and ethics for a public hearing at the State Capitol.

The hearing, titled “The Implications of Artificial Intelligence for Democratic Governance and How to Preserve Meaningful Elections,” will take place Friday, November 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in House Hearing Room 4. It’s open to the public and will also be livestreamed at bit.ly/4oyw2Cj.

A Modern Challenge for Democracy

Few technologies have advanced as rapidly—or raised as many questions—as artificial intelligence. From deepfakes to biased algorithms, AI has the power to shape public opinion and even influence how people vote. Lawmakers across the country are trying to catch up, figuring out how to balance innovation with fairness, transparency, and trust in the democratic process.

Rep. Kolodin, who chairs the House Ad Hoc Committee on Election Integrity and Florida-style Voting Systems, says the hearing is meant to encourage thoughtful discussion rather than alarm. “We want to understand what’s coming and what safeguards might be needed,” he explained when announcing the panel.

The session will feature researchers and policy experts who study how AI can both strengthen and challenge democratic systems—from verifying voter information to countering misinformation.

The Minds Behind the Microchips

Among those testifying is Diane “Di” Cooke, a nonresident AI Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. Cooke’s research delves into AI’s use in national security and its potential to spread deepfakes and disinformation. She’s advised both U.S. and U.K. governments on AI policy and helped shape legislation aimed at protecting elections from technological manipulation.

David Inserra of the Cato Institute will also take the microphone. Inserra focuses on the intersection of technology, free speech, and government regulation. Before joining Cato, he spent four years at Meta helping to shape its global content moderation policies. His perspective emphasizes how governments can prevent harm online without infringing on free expression.

Connor Leahy, the founder and CEO of Conjecture, brings a technologist’s point of view. His company studies how to ensure artificial intelligence systems stay aligned with human values—a crucial concern as machines become more capable of decision-making. Leahy was also one of the driving forces behind EleutherAI, an organization advocating for open-source AI development.

Rounding out the list are Nick Dranias, General Counsel for Honduras Próspera, Inc., and author of Why Excellence Matters: Building Better AI Through Better Ethics, and Dr. Robert Epstein, a senior psychologist whose research on the “Search Engine Manipulation Effect” has shown how search results and algorithmic recommendations can influence voter behavior.

A Conversation with Real Consequences

While artificial intelligence offers enormous potential for improving efficiency and communication, it also introduces new vulnerabilities to the democratic process. Deepfake videos can distort reality in seconds. Algorithms can shape what voters see—or don’t see—online. Even well-intentioned AI tools can produce unintentional bias.

By bringing together experts who understand both the technical and ethical dimensions of AI, the Arizona Legislature hopes to shed light on these complex issues before they spiral into crises.

For voters, policymakers, and citizens alike, the November 14 hearing offers a front-row seat to one of the most important discussions of our time: how to keep elections meaningful in a world increasingly influenced by machines.