Bob Johnston, a mayoral candidate in Sudbury, Ontario, is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to create campaign posters, aiming to inject humor and optimism into his community. The AI-generated images portray Johnston as a cheerful cartoon character, featuring his prosthetic legs. One poster depicts him filling a pothole, while another shows him driving past the iconic Big Nickel in a van.
Johnston expressed his delight in the positive reception of his AI campaign posters, noting that one individual even inquired about keeping a sign for personal use post-election. Municipal candidates in Ontario are currently undergoing certification for the upcoming October elections. Despite this, there are no specific regulations governing the utilization of AI in political advertising, as highlighted by experts interviewed by CBC.
Andrea Lawlor, an associate professor in McMaster University’s political science department, emphasized the potential benefits of AI for political candidates, particularly in cost reduction for those lacking substantial financial support. However, she noted the absence of comprehensive governance in this emerging technological realm.
The City of Greater Sudbury confirmed that while there are no explicit regulations under the Municipal Elections Act or local bylaws regarding AI use in election advertising, AI campaigns must adhere to existing guidelines for political ads. Scott Lemke, an election law practitioner, indicated that employing AI in advertisements is generally permissible, with restrictions on creating misleading “deepfakes.”
Professor Lawlor acknowledged limited advancements in regulating AI, citing Bill C-25, which addresses responsibilities of parties and candidates concerning AI usage under the Canada Elections Act. She underscored the pressing need for robust regulations to safeguard against misinformation and deceptive AI practices in political campaigns.
Residents of Sudbury expressed concerns over AI-generated ads, with some apprehensive about the impact on young audiences’ perception of truth. Despite skepticism, Johnston received positive feedback on his innovative approach, describing the use of AI as a means to foster positive change and engagement within the community.
Lawlor highlighted the ambiguity surrounding AI’s role in political advertising and advocated for measures to ensure transparency and accountability. She proposed the inclusion of disclosure statements on AI content to enhance clarity and trust in election campaigns. Johnston, while open to potential disclosures in the future, viewed his current AI campaign as a pioneering effort, emphasizing the need for innovation within legal boundaries.