Harvard Data Science Review Podcast: "AI and Elections: A Conversation with Secretary Steve Simon of Minnesota"

Release Date: June 28, 2024
Host: Liberty Vittert
Co-Host: Shao Meng
Guest: Steve Simon, Secretary of State of Minnesota

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the Harvard Data Science Review Podcast, hosts Liberty Vittert and Shao Meng engage in an in-depth conversation with Steve Simon, the Minnesota Secretary of State. As the nation gears up for the 2024 presidential, Senate, and House elections, the discussion centers on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and electoral processes. The conversation delves into election security, the role of AI in amplifying disinformation, and the measures Minnesota is implementing to ensure fair and accurate elections.

Role of the Secretary of State in Elections

Steve Simon begins by clarifying the role of the Secretary of State's office in Minnesota's election system. He emphasizes the decentralized nature of vote counting, stating:

"We do not count votes. And that is the case in almost every other state. The Secretary of State does not actually count or tabulate votes." (02:04)

Simon explains that the Secretary of State’s responsibilities include knitting together various elements of the election system, providing legal and policy guidance, certifying election equipment, managing critical databases, and engaging in policy work with legislative bodies and federal partners. This delineation ensures a robust and transparent electoral framework.

The Emergence of AI in Election Security

As AI becomes a more significant factor in elections, Simon addresses its dual-edged impact. He notes:

"I do view it [AI] as a new way to amplify and magnify existing threats. The existing threat is, for example, election disinformation... this is the first election... when those considerations have been on the table." (04:14)

Simon highlights that AI, particularly through tools like deepfakes, can enhance the spread of disinformation, making it a pivotal concern for election officials. This marks a new challenge distinct from past election cycles, necessitating innovative approaches to safeguard electoral integrity.

Combating Disinformation

The conversation underscores the importance of media literacy in combating AI-driven disinformation. Simon explains the office’s strategy to promote trustworthy information sources:

"We're going to continue to urge people... to really seek out trusted sources on that issue. In other words, don't just trust what's in your social media feed... go to a trusted source." (06:00)

By encouraging voters to verify information through official channels, the Secretary of State aims to mitigate the impact of false narratives surrounding election mechanics, thereby fostering a more informed electorate.

Education and Media Literacy

Simon advocates for the role of the education system in enhancing public understanding of election processes. He shares Minnesota’s initiative to incorporate civics education in high schools:

"People would be less susceptible to some forms of disinformation if they understood that very basic piece of the architecture." (09:41)

By teaching students the fundamentals of government structure and election administration, the state aims to build resilience against misinformation from a young age, fostering long-term benefits for democratic participation.

Election System Security and Transparency

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on ensuring the security and transparency of election systems. Simon details the public accuracy tests conducted for election equipment:

"Anyone off the street can come. They have to trot out that elections equipment in a pre-noticed public meeting called a public accuracy test." (14:06)

These tests involve stress-testing voting machines with various attempts to disrupt their functionality, ensuring they perform accurately under real-world conditions. Post-election audits further reinforce this transparency by reconciling reported results with paper ballots, providing multiple layers of verification.

Collaboration and Coordination Efforts

Simon emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts both within the state and across federal agencies to secure elections:

"It's essential that we reach out to partners... we have to partner with others. We have to go to those who can tell the difference." (06:00)

He highlights Minnesota’s participation in the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) and partnerships with the Department of Homeland Security and CISA, which facilitate information sharing and best practices to enhance election security.

Initiatives and Future Plans

Discussing future initiatives, Simon mentions a tabletop exercise conducted to explore AI-infused scenarios affecting election administration:

"We convened a group to do a tabletop exercise at a military facility... and we had a lot of intense, lengthy discussions over exactly that." (26:06)

Such exercises aim to anticipate and prepare for potential AI-related threats, ensuring that Minnesota remains proactive in addressing emerging challenges in election security.

Personal Insights and Challenges

Simon shares a personal anecdote highlighting the pressures faced by election officials in the wake of political unrest:

"The darkest moment for me of a job I love... was around the time of the January 6th attack on the US Capitol." (31:10)

He recounts receiving threats and the subsequent need to protect his family, illustrating the risks and emotional toll that come with overseeing election integrity in a polarized environment.

Final Thoughts and Advice

In a heartfelt conclusion, Simon offers advice to voters to practice political empathy:

"Just try to have a flash of empathy... Don't believe the worst about someone who's voting different from you." (36:14)

He urges voters to recognize the diverse perspectives within the electorate and to approach political differences with understanding rather than suspicion, fostering a more respectful and cohesive democratic process.

Conclusion

This episode of the Harvard Data Science Review Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship between AI and elections. Through Steve Simon’s insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and strategies involved in maintaining election security and integrity in the digital age. The conversation underscores the importance of transparency, collaboration, and education in safeguarding democracy, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the nexus of data science and electoral processes.

Notable Quotes

• Steve Simon on the Secretary of State's role:

  "We do not count votes... We compile and aggregate others counts, but we don't do the counting." (02:04)

• On AI as an amplifier of threats:

  "I view AI as a new way to amplify and magnify existing threats." (04:14)

• On media literacy:

  "Seek out trusted sources... go to a trusted source." (06:00)

• On public accuracy tests:

  "Anyone off the street can come... to make sure[...] the machines are accurately tabulating." (14:06)

• Advice to voters:

  "Have a flash of empathy... don't believe the worst about someone who's voting different from you." (36:14)

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the podcast episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those unfamiliar with the original conversation.