Bob Johnston, a mayoral candidate in Sudbury, Ontario, is utilizing artificial intelligence to create campaign posters, aiming to inject humor and optimism into his community. The AI-generated images depict Johnston as a cheerful cartoon character, featuring his prosthetic legs, performing various activities like filling a pothole and driving past the Big Nickel.
Johnston expressed delight in the community’s positive response to his AI campaign posters, with one person even requesting to keep a sign after the election for their garage. While candidates in Ontario are getting certified for municipal elections in October, experts note the absence of specific regulations governing the use of AI in advertising.
According to Andrea Lawlor, an associate professor at McMaster University, AI can provide a cost-effective advantage for political candidates, particularly those lacking substantial financial support. However, the oversight of AI usage remains largely unregulated, creating a gray area in the political landscape.
The city of Sudbury confirmed that while there are no explicit rules in the Municipal Elections Act or local bylaws governing AI use in municipal election advertising, existing regulations for political ads must be adhered to. Scott Lemke, an election law lawyer, emphasized that while simple AI-generated posters are permissible, the creation of misleading “deepfakes” using AI is criminally prohibited.
Professor Lawlor highlighted some initial steps towards AI regulation, such as Bill C-25 amending the Canada Elections Act to hold parties and candidates accountable for AI use. Despite these efforts, she emphasized the need for more comprehensive regulations to address the growing influence of AI in political campaigns.
Residents in Sudbury have expressed concerns about the impact of AI-generated content, particularly on younger generations. While some worry about the blurring line between truth and falsehood, Johnston remains optimistic about the reception of his innovative approach, labeling it as a pioneering use of AI in political advertising to inspire change.
Lawlor emphasized the importance of maintaining verifiability in political advertising and the necessity for clarity in AI usage. As the technology continues to evolve, she cautioned against a potential “informational Wild West” in upcoming election cycles without proper regulations. Despite uncertainties, there is a growing consensus that government intervention is needed to address the concerns surrounding AI application in political campaigns.