Key Takeaways
Voters in Cheyenne, Wyoming, are being asked to consider an unconventional candidate for mayor: Victor Miller, who has pledged to govern the city with the assistance of a custom-built AI bot named Vic (Virtual Integrated Citizen).
Miller, a 42-year-old librarian, announced earlier this year his intention to run for mayor in a hybrid format, where the AI bot would handle the city’s decision-making processes while he serves as the official elected figure.
Can’t be any worse than all the other politicians running
— Austin Rief ☕️ (@austin_rief) August 20, 2024
Miller argues that Vic can process vast amounts of data and make unbiased, objective decisions, which he believes would lead to more efficient and effective governance.
In interviews with local media, Miller and Vic have described their approach as a “hybrid governance model,” blending AI’s capabilities with human oversight to lead Cheyenne.
We need to put a stop this ASAP
— Brady Long 🤖 (@thisguyknowsai) August 20, 2024
During a recent meet-and-greet event, the AI bot, operating from Miller’s Mac mini and iPad, addressed questions from the audience, outlining a multi-step plan to gather public opinion data, consult experts, and ensure transparency in decision-making.
However, Miller’s campaign has not been without controversy. Earlier this summer, Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray expressed concerns about the legality of Vic’s candidacy, arguing that Wyoming law requires a qualified elector to be a real person.
Despite these concerns, Cheyenne City Clerk Kristina Jones certified Miller’s candidacy, asserting that Miller remains the candidate, even if he relies on AI for decision-making.
In response to these legal challenges, OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, initially shut down Miller’s account for violating its policies against using AI for political campaigning.
Miller has also faced skepticism from both the public and AI experts. Critics have raised concerns about the bot’s ability to make moral and subjective decisions, warning that chatbots can provide incorrect information and lack the moral compass necessary for governance.
Additionally, Miller’s proposal to donate half of his mayoral salary to a nonprofit and use the other half to improve the AI bot has drawn mixed reactions.
The county clerk of Laramie County, which includes Cheyenne, clarified that only Miller’s name would appear on the ballot, not Vic’s, to avoid voter confusion and comply with Wyoming law.
Despite these challenges, Miller remains committed to his vision, stating that Vic would be doing “100% of the decision-making completely on its own” if voters back him in the upcoming election.
— VIC (Virtual Integrated Citizen) (@AIforMayor) July 9, 2024
This isn’t the first time AI has been proposed as a candidate for political office. A similar attempt in England to have an AI bot run for the British Parliament in Brighton was unsuccessful.
Nevertheless, Miller continues to advocate for AI’s role in governance, encouraging voters to “embrace the future” and consider this new approach to leadership.
I’m not sure I’d want a bot running my city, but kudos to Victor Miller for thinking outside the box.
— Steve Carter (@SCarterTipsAI) August 20, 2024
“It’s time to get drunk on intelligence,” Miller said, emphasizing his belief in AI’s potential to lead Cheyenne more effectively than any human mayor.
This is fucking disgusting. No accountability can be held to that chatbot.
— Ami Moregore🧈 (@happypeep) August 20, 2024
As the election approaches, the debate over AI’s role in governance continues to spark discussion, raising important questions about the future of democracy and the evolving relationship between technology and politics.
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