First AI Candidate Runs in UK Parliamentary Elections

First AI Candidate Runs in UK Parliamentary Elections

3 minute read
Published: 6/19/2024

Steve Endacott is running for parliament in Brighton Pavilion with an AI-generated avatar, 'AI Steve,' aiming to demonstrate how artificial intelligence can enhance voter access and engagement on various local issues.

As an independent candidate, Endacott's campaign leverages AI Steve to interact in real-time with constituents on critical topics such as LGBTQ rights, housing, and immigration, providing a novel approach to policymaking. Despite some skepticism from locals who see the AI as a gimmick, Endacott's innovative strategy seeks to prove the potential of artificial intelligence in politics, with all AI-generated policies subject to validation by a group of 500 people.

Steve Endacott's unique campaign approach involves AI Steve, a digital avatar that can engage with voters in real-time on a multitude of issues affecting the Brighton Pavilion constituency. Endacott believes that AI technology can facilitate more accessible and frequent interactions between elected officials and the public, bridging the gap that often exists between politicians and their constituents.

AI Steve is designed to handle a range of topics that are paramount to residents, from pressing social issues like LGBTQ rights and immigration to everyday concerns such as housing and bin collection. By providing instantaneous responses and engaging dialogue, AI Steve aims to present solutions and proposals that reflect the immediate needs and preferences of the community.

A significant component of Endacott's campaign is the formulation of policy ideas originating from AI Steve. Unlike traditional policy development processes, AI Steve actively solicits suggestions from voters, intending to reflect a broader spectrum of public opinion. These policies are not finalized immediately; they undergo a thorough review by a group of 500 validators to ensure they meet communal standards and are both feasible and beneficial.

This validator group acts as a critical checkpoint in Endacott's campaign, ensuring that all AI-generated policies are vetted and credible before implementation. Endacott's commitment to transparency and public engagement through innovative means is evident in his reliance on this diverse panel of reviewers.

Steve Endacott is running as an independent candidate, aiming to secure a seat for the Brighton Pavilion constituency. The Electoral Commission has clarified that should Endacott win, he would serve as the member of parliament, affirming that AI Steve is solely a tool and cannot hold any official capacity in governance.

While the use of AI in political campaigns is groundbreaking, it has not been free of criticism. Some residents of Brighton Pavilion are skeptical about the authenticity and utility of AI Steve, with doubts about whether an AI can truly grasp the complexities of human issues or if it is merely a promotional gimmick. Concerns also stem from a general distrust in both artificial intelligence and political figures, complicating Endacott's mission to garner widespread support.

Endacott's past experience in politics includes a loss in a local council election in 2022, which he believes has prepared him for this more significant parliamentary endeavor. His bid for Brighton Pavilion is propelled by his company, Neural Voice, which developed and powers AI Steve. This technological backing underscores his campaign's emphasis on innovative solutions.

As the campaign progresses, the reactions and adaptability of AI Steve will be critical indicators of the electorate's reception to such a technologically advanced candidate. The policies generated and the public's interaction with AI Steve will offer insights into the feasibility of artificial intelligence playing a larger role in future political landscapes.