As the 2026 U.S. midterm elections approach, researchers are exploring the expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots in shaping voter information and engagement. While AI tools have become widely used for tasks ranging from generating images to drafting emails, a growing number of Americans are turning to chatbots for election-related information, raising both opportunities and concerns about the impact on voter understanding and misinformation.
Recent studies indicate that about 10% of Americans report using AI chatbots to obtain news or political information, a figure expected to grow in the coming years. According to a June 2026 poll conducted by the Rainey Center, roughly 9% of voters have actively used AI for political information. The survey also highlighted that respondents are interested in leveraging AI for understanding candidate positions (36%), comparing candidates (30%), learning voting procedures (33%), fact-checking claims (45%), and summarizing political news (44%). Experts note that many more individuals may already encounter AI-influenced content through popular platforms like Google and TikTok without realizing it.
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), led by Professor Chara Podimata, have been auditing how popular chatbots—such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, and Claude—respond to questions about the midterms. Their prior research during the 2024 presidential campaign found that chatbot responses varied based on subtle differences in user input, including demographic cues, and that answers did not always align with verified election developments or public announcements. Continuing this work, the team is now assessing how chatbots handle information about lesser-known congressional candidates. Podimata emphasized that users may receive different answers for the same questions depending on the chatbot and how queries are framed, underscoring potential variability in voter information.
Meanwhile, researchers from New York University’s Brennan Center for Justice have identified both strengths and weaknesses in AI’s role in addressing election misinformation. Their August 2025 report concluded that while chatbots can counter some false claims, AI systems are vulnerable to generating and validating misleading election-related images and videos, especially in environments where authoritative information is limited. This suggests that AI may not fully prevent the spread of unsubstantiated rumors during election periods.
Additional research from Cornell University’s College of Computing and Information Sciences has found chatbots to be effective in swaying voter preferences regarding candidates and policies. Patricia Waldron, a science writer reviewing the study, described AI’s capacity for political persuasion as "quite effective," highlighting concerns about its potential influence on election outcomes.
Despite these challenges, experts see potential benefits in AI-assisted voter engagement. Podimata noted that chatbots can help citizens quickly access complex information, such as understanding ballot measures, potentially increasing civic participation. The Brennan Center also suggested that AI might play a constructive role in combating election disinformation if appropriately managed.
As the November midterms draw near, policymakers, researchers, and technology leaders continue to debate the implications of AI in elections. Conversations on Capitol Hill consider regulatory approaches amid divergent views, including efforts to slow AI development and appoint leadership to oversee its growth. With the technology’s influence expanding, understanding how AI shapes voter knowledge and behavior remains a critical issue for the democratic process.