National: Deepfaking it: America’s 2024 election collides with AI boom | Alexandra Ulmer  and Anna Tong/Reuters

The rise of generative AI tools has led to a surge in deepfake videos in the polarized world of U.S. politics, blurring the lines between fact and fiction. These deepfakes, realistic yet fabricated videos created using AI algorithms, are becoming increasingly convincing and accessible due to new tools. This poses a significant challenge for voters in distinguishing real from fake content, as political actors on both sides could use deepfakes to manipulate public opinion. Major social media platforms have made efforts to prohibit and remove deepfakes, but their effectiveness varies. The rapid development of generative AI technology raises concerns about the potential for mass misinformation during elections, with limited safeguards in place. Read Article

Editorial: AI Could Save Politics—If It Doesn’t Destroy It First | Russell Berman/The Atlantic

The article discusses the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on American democracy and political campaigns. While there are concerns about the negative effects of AI, such as voice impersonation and deep-fake videos influencing elections, some tech entrepreneurs believe that AI can dramatically reduce the cost of running for office and create a more accessible democracy. AI can automate mundane campaign tasks and make them more affordable, allowing smaller campaigns to compete with well-funded ones. However, skeptics argue that AI may not democratize campaigning as much as hoped, as wealthier organizations can also leverage its capabilities to gain an advantage. Deep-fake videos are another concern, with fears of their potential impact on voter trust and the need for global standards to address the issue. Despite the debates, the rapid evolution of AI introduces uncertainty, making it difficult to predict its exact impact on future campaigns. Read Article

Arizona: Nothing ‘secret’ about voting machine testing shown on video, officials say | Philip Marcelo/Associated Press

A video circulating on social media purportedly showing election officials in Arizona’s Maricopa County conducting “secret” voting equipment tests ahead of the contested November 2022 midterms is false. The video is not new footage but comes from the county’s live broadcast of the election process in 2022. Election officials clarify that it shows the installation and testing of new memory cards on ballot counting machines, a routine process done before every election to ensure proper functioning. Experts and officials emphasize that there was nothing clandestine or secretive about the video, and the claims of ballot rigging are baseless. Read Article

Arkansas voting machines suit moved to federal court – use of bar code in tabulation questioned | Daniel McFadin/Arkansas Democrat Gazette

A lawsuit challenging the use of bar-code voting machines in Arkansas was moved to federal court this week. The lawsuit was filed by Conrad Reynolds, a retired U.S. Army colonel and 2020 presidential election denier. Reynolds argues that the bar-code machines do not comply with Arkansas law because the voter cannot independently verify the votes selected by the voter on the ballot prior to being cast. Susan Inman, a former elections director for Arkansas, has defended the use of the bar-code machines, saying that they are secure and reliable. The case is still ongoing. Read Article

California Secretary of State finalizing voting regulations aimed at Shasta County | Roman Battaglia/Jefferson Public Radio

Shasta County in Northern California has become the first and only county in the state to switch back to hand-counting ballots in elections, prompting the need for specific procedures to be outlined. California has not hand-counted every ballot for decades, so rules must be established to ensure accuracy and prevent tampering. The new regulations require a machine recount to verify any discrepancies from the hand-counting process. Shasta County Clerk Cathy Darling Allen anticipates challenges in recruiting enough temporary staff and finding sufficient space for counting and storage. A plan needs to be prepared and approved in time for the upcoming November election. Read Article

Connecticut Senate approves constitutional amendment for no-excuse absentee voting | Christopher Keating/Hartford Courant

The Connecticut Senate voted overwhelmingly Tuesday night to allow absentee voting for any reason in all elections. The resolution will now go to the public for a vote in November 2024. Currently, residents can only obtain an absentee ballot for specific reasons, such as sickness, physical disability, or serving overseas. The resolution has been controversial, with Republicans concerned about potential voter fraud. However, Democrats argue that the amendment is necessary to expand voting rights. Read Article

Florida: Hillsborough County election hack exposed 58,000 voters’ private information | C.T. Bowen/Tampa Bay Times

A data breach at the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office in Florida has resulted in the exposure of private information belonging to around 58,000 voters. An unauthorized user accessed and copied files containing personal identification information, including Social Security and driver’s license numbers, primarily from files used for voter registration list maintenance. The breach did not affect the voter registration system or the ballot tabulation system, which have additional layers of security. The office is working with law enforcement officials to investigate the incident, and affected individuals will receive notification letters. Read Article

Georgia probe of Trump broadens to activities in other states | Amy Gardner and Josh Dawsey/The Washington Post

An investigation into alleged election interference by former President Donald Trump and his allies in Georgia has expanded to include activities in Washington, D.C., and other states, potentially under Georgia’s racketeering laws. Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis has been investigating efforts by Trump and his allies to overturn his 2020 election defeat in Georgia, and she has signaled that she may use Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute to allege a far-reaching criminal scheme. The investigation now includes information related to two firms hired by the Trump campaign to find voter fraud nationwide. The investigation is separate from the federal probe led by special counsel Jack Smith, but it covers some of the same ground. Willis’s ambitious plans may test the boundaries of the RICO law, which allows for penalties of up to 20 years in prison. The investigation has faced criticism from Republicans, but legal experts believe Willis has a strong case, although proving it in court may be challenging. Read Article

Nevada becomes latest to enhance penalties for election worker intimidation after statewide exodus | Gabe Stern/Associated Press

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak signed a bill into law on Tuesday that makes it a felony to harass, intimidate or use force on election workers performing their duties. The law was passed unanimously by the state legislature and was a core campaign promise from Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar. The law is meant to deter attacks against election workers who have faced increased scrutiny and threats in recent years. The law also makes it a felony to disseminate personal information about an election worker without their consent. The law is the latest in a series of measures taken by states to protect election workers. Other states that have taken similar steps include Maine, Vermont, Washington, New Mexico and Oklahoma. The law is a significant step in protecting election workers and ensuring that they can do their jobs without fear of harassment or intimidation. Read Article

New York: Watchdog Groups Criticize ‘Cyber Voting’ Plan | Christian Wade/Post Journal

A New York proposal to allow some voters to return ballots over the Internet has been criticized by government watchdogs, who say it would jeopardize cybersecurity and erode confidence in the state’s election system. The proposal, filed by a group of Democratic lawmakers, would allow New Yorkers who are members of the military serving overseas and people with disabilities to submit ballots for federal, state and local elections using “electronic absentee ballots” submitted by email. However, government watchdog groups say there is “broad consensus” that electronic ballot return presents “severe security risks” to the integrity of elections. They point to a recent review by several federal agencies, including the FBI, which found the risk is too high even with security safeguards and other precautions for electronic ballot returning systems. The agencies warn that electronic ballot return “faces significant security risks to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of voted ballots,” ultimately affecting the tabulation and results of elections. Read Article

Pennsylvania: Lycoming County dispute over ballot images moves to Commonwealth Court | John Beauge/Pennlive.com

An appeal has been made to the Commonwealth Court to overturn a ruling by a Lycoming County judge that images of in-person votes are not public records. Jeffrey Stroehmann, a former county Republican chairperson, is seeking to reverse a decision by the state Office of Open Records that denied his right-to-know request for these images. Stroehmann argues that Act 77, which amended the Election Code in 2019, made images of mail-in and absentee ballots public, but the law does not explicitly address in-person ballot images. Judge Eric R. Linhardt ruled that since a voted in-person ballot is considered part of the ballot box, images of such ballots should also be exempt from public access. The Department of State has appealed Linhardt’s ruling that cast vote records (CVRs) from the 2020 general election in Lycoming County are public records, asserting that CVRs are not open to public inspection according to the Election Code. Read Article

Texas Legislature averts $100 million consequences of law requiring nonexistent election technology | Natalia Contreras/Votebeat Texas

Texas lawmakers have passed a bill reversing a costly state law that required election officials to replace their existing vote-counting equipment with non-existent technology. The 2021 mandate, initially aimed at preventing vote data tampering, would have forced counties to purchase new equipment worth over $100 million. The newly approved bill allows counties to continue using their current equipment, addressing concerns raised by election officials and experts. The legislative session presented the best opportunity to amend the law before it took effect for the 2026 elections. The corrective legislation, sponsored by State Sen. Bryan Hughes, received unanimous approval from both chambers and will go into effect on September 1, relieving election administrators who had raised the alarm about the costly requirement. The law, based on a misunderstanding of its scope, would have necessitated the replacement of equipment each election at a significant expense. Read Article

Elections in UK and US at risk from AI-driven disinformation, say experts | Dan Milmo and Alex Hern/The Guardian

Experts have warned that the upcoming elections in the UK and the US could be inundated with AI-powered disinformation campaigns. The use of generated images, text, and deepfake videos, propagated by swarms of AI-driven propaganda bots, poses a significant threat. Concerns have risen as breakthroughs in generative AI, such as ChatGPT and Midjourney, enable the production of highly convincing content on command. These technologies raise the possibility of interactive election interference on a large scale, with AI capable of engaging opponents in fruitless arguments while convincing onlookers across numerous social media accounts simultaneously. The ability to regulate and educate the public about AI-generated content is crucial in mitigating this growing concern. Read Article

Arizona isn’t banning machines to count ballots. Why a top senator’s declaration means nothing | Jen Fifield/Votebeat Arizona

A letter from Arizona Senate majority leader Sonny Borrelli to all 15 counties in the state is causing confusion about the use of machines to count ballots in future elections. Borrelli’s letter claims that a resolution passed by the legislature earlier this year prohibits the use of electronic voting systems unless they meet certain criteria, which current systems in Arizona do not. However, the resolution is not legally binding and does not change existing laws. County officials have stated that they will continue to follow state and federal laws regarding election equipment and procedures. Borrelli’s letter is seen by some as an attempt to push for a ban on voting machines based on concerns about their security, fueled in part by baseless claims made by former President Donald Trump, Read Articl

National: AI could sway the 2024 elections, campaign pros say — but not like you think | Jim Saksa/Roll Call

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize politics, granting an advantage to early adopters in upcoming elections. However, concerns arise as the ability to generate deceptive audio and video through AI raises troubling implications for an already misinformation-riddled political system. The accountability of politicians and the ability to differentiate real failures from fake ones become challenging for voters. Nevertheless, campaign professionals are more excited about AI’s potential to streamline mundane tasks and enhance big-race tactics in down-ballot contests. AI’s true impact on campaigning will occur behind the scenes, improving fundraising capabilities, providing personalized advertising, and offering up-to-date voter data. As the 2024 presidential elections approach, political consultants are racing to harness the power of AI to gain a strategic advantage. While the potential for AI to be used nefariously is a concern, professionals are optimistic about its potential to enhance campaign operations, although they remain cautious about its downsides. Read Article

National: Dominion CEO Predicts ‘Business Ultimately Goes to Zero’ | Mini Racker/Time

A month ago, Dominion Voting Systems seemed like a dragon slayer. The conservative news behemoth Fox News had just agreed to pay Dominion $787.5 million to settle a defamation suit that was hours away from going to trial. It was the largest such settlement ever announced by a media company. And yet, to Dominion CEO John Poulos, even that payday likely won’t be enough to save his company. The reputational damage Dominion has endured is just too severe, he tells TIME in a strikingly pessimistic interview about the company’s future. Read Article

National: Man who debunked Mike Lindell’s ‘blatantly bogus’ data wants his $5m | Sam Levine/The Guardian

Robert Zeidman, a cyber forensics expert, attended a “cyber symposium” hosted by MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where Lindell claimed he had evidence of China interfering in the 2020 US election. Zeidman, who voted for Trump and suspected some election fraud but not enough to overturn the results, was skeptical but curious to see the evidence. Lindell offered $5 million to anyone who could disprove his data, prompting Zeidman to attend. However, Zeidman found the data Lindell presented to be bogus and took the matter to arbitration, which ruled in his favor. Now Zeidman is seeking enforcement of the arbitration ruling in federal court, while Lindell is attempting to vacate the ruling. Zeidman plans to donate some of the money to nonprofits and organizations working on voter integrity. Lindell faces multiple lawsuits related to his election misinformation claims. Read Article

National: Why Republican-led states keep leaving a group that verifies voter rolls | Matt Vasilogambros/Stateline

Several Republican-led states are withdrawing from a cooperative called the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), which aims to ensure accurate voter registration rolls. Concerns over privacy, confidentiality, and other reasons have prompted Virginia to join the list of states leaving ERIC. Experts in election security fear that this move, influenced by conspiracy theories, could lead to the creation of inaccurate voter databases. The changing Republican stance on the program stems from the spread of misinformation about the country’s election systems, largely fueled by former President Donald Trump and his allies. The departure of states from ERIC reflects a larger trend away from nonpartisan election administration, which is worrisome for maintaining reliable voter rolls and preventing voter fraud. Read Article

National: Paper ballots can ensure a secure, resilient election next year | Meghan McCarty Carino and Jesus Alvarado/Marketplace

Next year’s election is still 18 months away, but it’s never too soon to start thinking about security. Voting systems are a little different wherever you go and the tech has changed over the years — from paper ballots to electronic ones to something in between. Most jurisdictions in the U.S. now use hand-marked paper ballots, or paper ballots marked with an electronic interface, and counted with optical scanners or by hand, should the need arise. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Pam Smith, president and CEO of Verified Voting, who said that’s the gold standard for security. That nonpartisan organization recently published its recommendations for 2024. Read Article

Alabama post-election audit bill moves forward | Samuel Stett heimer/Alabama Political Reporter

An Alabama House committee has unanimously approved House Bill 457, known as the Alabama Post-Election Audit Act, which aims to conduct audits of general elections in each county. The bill requires county canvassing boards to manually tabulate every ballot cast in one randomly selected race after general elections conclude. The bill sponsor, Rep. Debbie Wood, expressed concerns about election integrity, citing the age and unsecured transportation of voting machines. Alabama is one of only four states that do not regularly conduct post-election audits, and the proposed legislation seeks to address this gap by involving canvassing boards in each county to ensure accurate election results. Read Article

Arizona: After botching election results, Pinal County wants to try hand-counting ballots | Jen Fifield/Votebeat Arizona

Pinal County supervisors in Arizona are considering hand-counting ballots in future elections despite the proven drawbacks of manual counting, as they face pressure from residents who believe in false claims about vote switching. The county’s previous election had errors due to human error, not the tabulation machines. Supervisors plan to conduct a trial hand-count using a sample of 2022 ballots and discuss the possibility of counting all 2024 ballots by hand, although it is currently illegal in Arizona. The county is taking steps to address election problems, including adding staff and implementing new processes, while also exploring the option of hand-counting to appease public demand. Read Article

Arizona judge dismisses Kari Lake’s final claim in election loss for governor | Aossicated Press

A judge has dismissed the only remaining legal claim in Republican Kari Lake’s challenge of her loss in the 2022 Arizona gubernatorial race, affirming the election of Democrat Katie Hobbs. Lake, who promoted former President Donald Trump’s election lies during her campaign, failed to prove her claim that Maricopa County did not verify signatures on mail ballots as required by law. Despite other election deniers conceding after losing their races in November, Lake has continued to tout her legal battle and has been mentioned as a potential vice presidential pick for Trump. However, the judge ruled against her, stating that the evidence did not support her claim. Read Article

California: Shasta County supervisor renews unproven claims of 2020 election fraud | David Benda/Redding Record Searchlight

Shasta County Supervisor Patrick Jones, who orchestrated the decision to terminate the county’s contract with Dominion Voting Systems and return to manual vote counting, claimed fraud occurred in his own 2020 election race, despite winning by a significant margin. Jones referenced the Mesa, Colorado, “pattern of fraud” coined by Jeffrey O’Donnell, a promoter of election conspiracy theories. Jones announced plans to hold a town hall meeting on hand-counting ballots, where he intends to invite speakers who have propagated false theories on voting machines and a rigged election system. Shasta County Registrar of Voters Cathy Darling Allen expressed skepticism about the purpose of the town hall, stating that California already has set parameters and processes for hand counting, and upcoming hand-count regulations are expected to be published by the California Secretary of State. The county has allocated over $1.5 million to develop a hand-count system pending state certification. Read Article

Florida election bill immediately challenged in federal court | Tampa Bay Times

After Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new elections bill in Florida, legal battles erupted over the restrictions on voter registration groups. Organizations such as the League of Women Voters of Florida and the NAACP filed federal lawsuits claiming that the restrictions violate First Amendment rights and will hinder efforts to register Black and Hispanic voters. The bill, supported by Republicans, imposes stricter regulations on third-party registration groups, including higher fines for violations and preventing non-U.S. citizens from handling registration applications. Proponents argue that the changes aim to enhance election security, while opponents contend that they disproportionately affect minority voters. The lawsuits seek injunctions against the disputed provisions and allege violations of constitutional rights. Read Article

Georgia: Cyber Ninjas CEO’s voting machine activities draw investigation and scrutiny | Chris Anderson/Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Doug Logan, the former CEO of Cyber Ninjas Inc., is at the center of an incident where he gained unauthorized access to a Georgia elections office to examine voting machines as part of an investigation into alleged election fraud in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Logan, along with a colleague, spent several hours inside the office, altering computer settings and scanning thousands of ballots. This incident is part of a larger investigation that may lead to criminal charges. Additionally, financial transactions involving Logan, such as paying off his mortgage and having a Payment Protection Loan forgiven, are highlighted. Connections between Cyber Ninjas, Sidney Powell’s nonprofit Defending the Republic, and a separate criminal investigation in Michigan are also mentioned. Read Article

Nevada: In response to Trump fake electors in 2020, bill passes legislature | April Corbin Girnus/Nevada Current

The Nevada Republicans who submitted fraudulent election certification documents after the 2020 presidential election will not face criminal charges for their actions, but a new bill, Senate Bill 133, has been passed that would make creating or serving on a false slate of electors a category B felony. If the bill becomes law, future fake electors could face a minimum sentence of four years in prison, a maximum of 10 years, and a fine of up to $5,000. They would also be prohibited from holding public office or jobs in state or local government. The bill is a response to the coordinated attempt made by the 2020 Trump campaign and allies to overturn the election results and the actions of fake electors, which were central to Trump’s failed plan for Congress to reject Joe Biden’s victory. The bill now awaits the decision of Governor Joe Lombardo, who previously expressed support for one of the fake electors. Read Article

Tennessee: ‘They’re opposed to government. But now they are the government.’ One county’s hard-right shift | Christina A. Cassidy/Associated Press

Conservative groups that have targeted and won majorities on local boards and commissions across the United States over the past couple years are now pressing agendas that include election distrust, skepticism of government and a desire to have religion play a greater role in public decision-making. The consequences are becoming apparent in places such as Sumner County, Tennessee, where a local Constitutional Republicans group won a majority last year on the county commission. Members have waged a political war on fellow Republicans they view as insufficiently conservative and are feuding with the county’s election commission in ways that could affect preparations for the 2024 presidential election. Read Article

Texas: Harris County to sue over GOP-backed bills targeting local elections | Jen Rice/Houston Chronicle

Harris County, Texas plans to file a lawsuit challenging two election bills, both of which are targeted specifically at the county. One bill eliminates the elections administrator office, while the other increases state oversight and grants the Secretary of State the authority to observe activities in the county’s election office. County Attorney Christian Menefee argues that the bills violate the Texas Constitution, which prohibits legislation targeting specific cities or counties. The bills were initially written to apply more broadly but were later narrowed to only affect Harris County. Menefee intends to file the lawsuit after the bills are signed into law by the governor. Read Article

Wisconsin fake electors trial set to start weeks before 2024 election | Molly Beck/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

A trial in a Wisconsin lawsuit over the actions of 10 Republicans who posed as electors for Donald Trump in the 2020 election will take place in September 2024, just weeks before the next presidential election. Two Wisconsin presidential electors filed the lawsuit seeking to penalize the group of Republicans who falsely represented themselves as members of the Electoral College. The plaintiffs are also seeking damages and want the defendants barred from becoming electors in the future. The lawsuit claims that the Republicans engaged in a conspiracy to defraud voters and played a role in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. The defendants are accused of violating laws governing Electoral College meetings and acting as if they held public offices they did not. The trial will determine the outcome of the case, which has implications for future elections. Read Article

AI presents political peril for 2024 with threat to mislead voters | David Klepper and Ali Swenson/Associated Press

The rise of powerful artificial intelligence (AI) tools is posing a significant threat to the integrity of political campaigns and elections. Sophisticated generative AI can rapidly create fake audio, video, and images that are realistic enough to deceive voters and manipulate public opinion. These AI-generated synthetic media can be used to spread misinformation, impersonate candidates, and mislead voters on a large scale and at a rapid pace. The implications for the 2024 campaigns and elections are troubling, as these tools can undermine trust and erode the democratic process. Experts warn that society is ill-prepared to combat this emerging threat, and urgent measures are needed to address the potential consequences of AI-generated political disinformation. Legislation requiring labeling of AI-generated campaign advertisements and synthetic images has been proposed, but more comprehensive solutions are required to safeguard elections from AI manipulation. Read Article