UPDATE: Ohio has just launched its first artificial intelligence election assistant, named Eva, designed to revolutionize how local election officials manage ballot inquiries and voter processes. Announced by Secretary of State Frank LaRose on October 26, 2023, this innovative tool is now available 24/7 to all 88 county boards of elections across the state.
Eva, short for Elections Virtual Assistant, offers quick, accurate answers directly from Ohio’s official rulebook, significantly streamlining the election process. “She’s definitely a data nerd and a bit on the wonky side, but I’m not sure I’ve met someone who can answer a common question about election administration as quickly and effectively as Eva,” LaRose stated.
This AI assistant operates similarly to platforms like ChatGPT, but is exclusively trained on the Ohio Election Official Manual and the annual elections calendar. The goal is to provide election officials with instant, precise summaries without the risk of misinformation from outside sources. LaRose emphasized, “This is a game-changer for our election officials. For decades, they’ve had to manually search a 524-page rulebook. Eva can provide those answers immediately with a simple search prompt.”
While Eva is a beta project, officials are advised to verify any information that may involve legal nuances, continuing to consult with county prosecutors when necessary. Election officials like Lori Elchert, Director of the Seneca County Board of Elections, expressed enthusiasm about the tool, stating, “Election work is fast-paced and detail-driven, and having a tool that can instantly pull accurate information from official sources will make our jobs more efficient.”
This launch comes amid a broader initiative to modernize election administration in Ohio, which also includes new dashboards for voter registration, early voting, and results management. As Ohio embraces technological advancements, state lawmakers are simultaneously pushing to establish clear parameters on the use of artificial intelligence.
House Bill 469, recently introduced, asserts that AI systems cannot be recognized as individuals under state law, prohibiting them from owning property or making significant decisions on behalf of people. Rep. Thad Claggett, the bill’s sponsor, asserted, “We need to close loopholes before they become real problems,” ensuring that AI tools cannot hold power of attorney.
The implications of this legislation are critical, especially in light of serious concerns over AI interactions linked to tragic incidents. The bill aims to clarify accountability, ensuring that human operators are responsible for any harm caused by AI technologies.
As Ohio takes these significant steps into the future of election administration, the launch of Eva marks a pivotal moment in the intersection of technology and democratic processes. Election officials and voters alike are encouraged to watch for further developments as this AI tool begins to impact the efficiency and integrity of Ohio’s elections.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as the situation evolves.
