New York Voters Put on Alert: Attorney General Letitia James Warns of AI-Driven Election Misinformation Ahead of November General Election
With New York’s November general election fast approaching, state Attorney General Letitia James has issued a stark warning to voters: be on high alert for artificial intelligence-generated election misinformation. In a new advisory released by the Attorney General’s Office (OAG), James highlighted the alarming rise of sophisticated AI-generated videos, images, and audio recordings that are becoming increasingly difficult for the average person to distinguish from reality. The office also flagged a lesser-known but equally dangerous threat: AI chatbots that can confidently deliver incorrect or outdated information about polling locations, voting deadlines, and voting requirements. “When New Yorkers head to the polls, they deserve to have accurate information to cast an informed vote,” James said in a statement. “AI has made it easier than ever for bad actors to spread convincing lies about candidates and about when, where, and how to vote, and chatbots can confidently give voters the wrong answer.” The warning serves as a critical reminder that in an era of deepfakes and algorithmic deception, the integrity of the electoral process depends not only on the security of voting machines but also on the ability of citizens to navigate a minefield of fabricated content.
The Attorney General’s Office has observed a dramatic escalation in the realism and accessibility of AI-generated content over the past year, making it a uniquely dangerous tool for election interference. Unlike traditional misinformation, which often relies on obvious falsehoods or poorly edited images, modern AI can produce lifelike videos of public figures saying things they never said, realistic audio recordings of voices that don’t exist, and photographic images of events that never occurred. These technologies are no longer confined to sophisticated state-sponsored operations; they are now widely available to anyone with a computer and internet access. The OAG’s investigation specifically noted that AI chatbots, popular tools used by millions to quickly answer questions, are a growing source of confusion. When asked about voting logistics, these systems often generate responses that sound authoritative but are factually wrong, such as incorrect polling hours, erroneous voter ID requirements, or outdated absentee ballot deadlines. For voters who rely on these digital assistants for convenience, the consequences could be disenfranchisement—missing a deadline, traveling to the wrong location, or being turned away for lack of nonexistent documentation. James emphasized that these tools, while impressive, are no substitute for official sources, and that their unchecked proliferation threatens to erode trust in the democratic process itself.
To combat this growing threat, the Attorney General’s Office has released a comprehensive set of practical tips designed to empower New Yorkers to identify and avoid spreading AI-generated election misinformation. The first and most important step is to always check official election sources. Voters are urged to contact the New York state or local board of elections for accurate, authoritative information about how, when, and where to vote. During active voting periods, residents can also reach out to the OAG’s Election Protection Hotline with any questions or to file a complaint about suspicious activity. The second tip is directed at those who rely on digital assistants: do not trust AI chatbots for election information. While chatbots can be useful for general knowledge queries, the office warns that they are prone to hallucination—confidently providing false details about voting rules, polling places, and deadlines. If a chatbot is used, its answers must always be cross-verified with official government sources before taking any action. Third, voters are advised to be deeply skeptical of all election-related media, including images, audio recordings, and videos about candidates and campaigns. Just because a clip looks like a candidate saying something outrageous, or a photo appears to show chaos at a polling station, does not mean it is genuine. AI can manipulate even the most mundane content, making skepticism the default mindset.
The remaining recommendations focus on preventing the virality of fake content and taking action when manipulation is suspected. The fourth tip is a simple but powerful one: do not share unverified content. Before reposting any material related to elections, candidates, or campaigns, voters should confirm its authenticity through reliable means. Spreading a deepfake, even unintentionally, can amplify its reach and cause real-world harm. The fifth tip encourages citizens to report suspected deepfakes directly to the platforms where they appear. Social media companies are increasingly implementing policies around AI-generated content, but they often need user reports to flag and remove it. Sixth, the OAG advises voters to verify information across multiple sources. If a claim about a candidate or voting procedure appears in only one place, or if it is being shared in suspiciously uniform language across social media, it should be met with heightened suspicion. Cross-referencing with trustworthy news outlets and official election authorities can help separate fact from fiction. Finally, the seventh tip is to report election misinformation to the Attorney General’s Office directly. The OAG has established a dedicated Election Protection Hotline, and residents are urged to call 1-866-390-2992 to report any voting-related video, image, or audio recording that may have been manipulated and does not include an AI disclosure. This direct line is a critical tool for law enforcement to track emerging disinformation campaigns and take action against bad actors.
The advisory comes at a time when the legal and regulatory landscape around AI-generated political content is still evolving. While some states have enacted laws requiring disclosure of AI use in political advertising, New York voters must remain vigilant about content that carries no such labeling. The Attorney General’s Office has made clear that it considers the spread of manipulated media intended to deceive voters to be a serious matter, and the hotline serves as a frontline mechanism for gathering evidence of potential violations. James has long positioned herself as a watchdog against abuses of power, and her focus on AI misinformation reflects a broader concern among election officials nationwide about the impact of generative technology on democratic institutions. By providing clear, actionable guidance, the OAG aims to not only protect individual voters from being deceived, but also to deter malicious actors who might see AI as a cheap and effective way to suppress turnout or skew public opinion. The emphasis on reporting is particularly important: without public cooperation, many deepfakes would circulate unseen by authorities until it is too late, making community involvement an essential component of election integrity.
As New Yorkers prepare to cast their ballots, the message from the Attorney General’s Office is clear: the most powerful defense against AI-driven election misinformation is an informed and skeptical electorate. Democracy relies on the ability of citizens to make decisions based on facts, and when those facts are polluted by synthetic media, the very foundation of self-governance is threatened. The steps outlined by the OAG are not complicated, but they require constant attention and a willingness to pause before clicking share. Checking official websites, calling county boards of elections, trusting traditional journalistic sources, and using the Election Protection Hotline are all simple strategies that can dramatically reduce the risk of becoming a vector for disinformation. Voters are also reminded that the hotline number—1-866-390-2992—is available not only for complaints but also for genuine questions about the voting process, making it a valuable resource for any uncertainty. With only weeks until Election Day, New York finds itself at the forefront of a new era in which the battle for the ballot box is also a battle for the truth. By arming themselves with knowledge and the tools provided by the Attorney General’s Office, New Yorkers can ensure that their votes are cast based on the real world, not a fabricated digital one.