{
  "id": 16317633,
  "title": "Why some Ontario voters are turning to AI chatbots for 2026 municipal elections",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/why-some-ontario-voters-are-turning-to-ai-chatbots-for-2026-municipal-16317633",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-24T11:29:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Global News",
    "slug": "global-news",
    "url": "https://globalnews.ca/news/12119797/voters-ask-ai-who-to-vote-for/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As Toronto’s municipal election approaches, more voters are seeking guidance from artificial intelligence chatbots to assist in their decision-making process. Eric Apps, a lawyer, consulted the Anthropic chatbot Claude to gain insight into the candidates running in his Parkdale-High Park ward, where incumbent councillor Gord Perks is retiring. The chatbot provided a concise list of the top five candidates and their policy stances on various issues, which Apps found helpful in filling the knowledge gaps left by the retirement of a familiar face.\n\nHowever, this trend is not unique to Apps. According to McGill University researchers, during Quebec’s recent provincial election, an estimated 40 per cent of voters turned to AI chatbots for information, only to receive false and outdated data, as the bot was unable to access news outlets that blocked its queries. AI researchers, such as Western University professor Alissa Centivany, argue that these chatbots are replacing traditional search engines and reliable media platforms as primary sources of information for many users. Centivany notes that the quality of information AI chatbots provide is often lower than expected, with the potential for including opinion pieces and user-generated content, some of which may be false or inflammatory.\n\nAnthropic, the company behind Claude, claims that the AI engine uses web search to find up-to-date information and provides sourcing for users to verify its credibility. The company has also updated its usage policies to restrict the use of Claude for deceptive or disruptive purposes in elections. Despite these measures, experts warn that users must remain vigilant and fact-check the information provided by AI chatbots, as the algorithm may prioritize opinion pieces and personal biases over objective facts, especially when it comes to political elections. As voter turnout in Ontario's municipal elections remains low, the accessibility of AI platforms may encourage more citizens to engage in the political process, but it is essential for users to critically evaluate the information they receive.",
  "summary": "During Quebec's provincial election, an estimated 40 per cent of voters turned to AI chatbots and received false and outdated information about the election, researchers said.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "CityNews",
        "title": "Why some Ontario voters are turning to AI chatbots for 2026 municipal elections",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/why-some-ontario-voters-are-turning-to-ai-chatbots-for-2026-municipal-16326760",
        "published": "2026-10-24T10:00:12.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Why some Ontario voters are turning to AI chatbots for 2026 municipal elections",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/why-some-ontario-voters-are-turning-to-ai-chatbots-for-2026-municipal",
        "published": "2026-10-24T10:00:12.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}