AI Lessons for the Midterms

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how people engage with elections – from how voters seek and find political information to how election officials administer the vote. As the 2026 midterms approach in the US, researchers and policymakers face urgent questions about AI’s impact on democratic practices and norms heading into the 2026 midterms. 

On October 29, the Knight-Georgetown Institute (KGI) and New York University’s Center for Social Media, AI, and Politics (CSMAP) will convene leading political scientists and policy experts for a half-day, in-person conference examining what we know about AI’s impact on elections, what remains uncertain, and what these developments mean for policy.

Through expert lightning talks and interactive breakout discussions, participants will explore three key areas:

• AI and Election Information: How are voters using AI tools to find and evaluate election-related information?
• AI and Election Administration: How is AI changing the way elections are administered, and what opportunities and challenges does it present for election officials?
• AI and Public Opinion: How is AI influencing political attitudes and the spread and detection of misinformation?

Beyond examining the latest research, the event will focus on identifying pressing policy questions, research gaps, and priorities for the coming election cycles.

RSVP here.

Agenda

1:30-1:45 pm | Welcome and Introductions

1:45-2:30 pm | Panel 1: AI and Election Administration Featuring Lia Merivaki and Liz Linzer. Moderated by Cody Buntain.

2:30-3:00pm | Coffee break

3:00-3:45 pm | Panel 2: AI and Election Information Featuring Jonathan Nagler, Kevin Greene, and Mark Krass. Moderated by Lisa Singh.

3:45-4:15 pm | Coffee break

4:15-5:00 pm | Panel 3: AI and Public Opinion Featuring Josh Clinton and G. Elliot Morris. Moderated by Joshua Tucker.

5:00-5:30 pm | Closing remarks

5:30-6:30 p.m. | Networking Reception