Voters use AI chatbots to research midterm ballots

Midterm voting was underway as of Oct. 5, 2026, in the first midterm since AI use surged, NPR reported. Voters said they used AI chatbots — assistants that answer questions — to research down-ballot races, compare candidates for governor in tables, and check viral claims. Adam Johnson, 40, of Morgantown, W.Va., said he spent hours discussing his ballot with ChatGPT.