Ohio works with technology partners while encouraging voters to verify AI answers with official sources
COLUMBUS — Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced an ongoing effort today to help ensure voters receive accurate election information when using artificial intelligence platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, Grok and other generative AI chatbots.
The office’s cybersecurity and technology teams are also working to ensure public information on the Secretary of State’s website is accessible to AI platforms while maintaining rigorous cybersecurity standards. For months, the office engaged with private-sector partners and AI companies to identify inaccurate information and improve how authoritative Ohio election information is provided to users.
“As more people turn to AI for everyday information, we need to make sure Ohio’s voters know where the facts come from,” said Secretary LaRose. “AI can be an incredibly useful tool, but when it comes to elections, voters should always verify what they see with an official source.”
The initiative builds on Ohio’s responsible use of AI in election administration. Last year, the Secretary of State’s office developed EVA, the Election Virtual Assistant, to help Ohio’s 88 county boards of elections quickly access accurate information grounded in the Election Official Manual and official election calendar.
Ohioans using AI for election information should follow a few simple best practices:
Check the source. Information should be supported by official sources such as VoteOhio.gov, the Secretary of State’s office or a county board of elections.
Verify before acting. Confirm voting dates, hours, polling locations, identification requirements and deadlines with an official election source.
Be cautious of unsourced answers. AI-generated information can be incorrect or outdated, even when presented confidently.
Ohioans can also help identify problems. Anyone who receives false or misleading Ohio election information from an AI platform is encouraged to send the Secretary of State’s office screenshots showing the prompt, complete response and AI platform used.
Reports can be sent by direct message to @VerifyOhio on X, Facebook or Instagram, or by email to [email protected]. The office will use these reports to identify recurring inaccuracies and work with technology partners to improve the information reaching voters.
“AI is changing how people find information, and government needs to keep pace,” said LaRose. “Ohio is embracing innovation responsibly while making sure voters know that official election sources remain the gold standard.”
For official Ohio election information, visit VoteOhio.gov.
Additional Background: Secretary LaRose’s administration has been a national leader in pioneering the use of emerging technology, such as artificial or super intelligence. He is also the first Secretary of State in the nation to deploy a full-time team of cybersecurity experts to assist county boards of elections with infrastructure and system security. His administration has issued an unprecedented seven statewide security directives, requiring boards to adopt audited protocols for cybersecurity monitoring, physical security, vulnerability assessments, emergency preparedness, vendor security standards and incident response procedures.