AI Bot Comes Fourth in Cheyenne Mayoral Primary

An unconventional mayoral campaign in Cheyenne, Wyoming, featuring an AI bot alongside a human candidate, concluded with a fourth-place finish in the primary election, raising questions about the role of artificial intelligence in local governance.

At a Glance

• Victor Miller and his AI bot VIC received 327 votes out of approximately 11,000 cast
• Incumbent Mayor Patrick Collins won reelection with over 6,200 votes
• Miller proposed using AI to make government decisions with humans as intermediaries
• The campaign faced legal challenges and criticism from experts
• Miller plans to continue advocating for AI in government through the Rational Governance Alliance

AI-Assisted Candidate Falls Short in Cheyenne Mayoral Race

In a groundbreaking political experiment, Cheyenne voters recently considered a mayoral candidate who proposed using an AI bot to run the local government. Victor Miller, alongside his customized ChatGPT bot named VIC (Virtual Integrated Citizen), campaigned on a platform of data-driven governance and unbiased decision-making. However, their innovative approach failed to secure sufficient public backing in the August 20 primary election.

Miller and VIC received a total of 327 votes from a pool of roughly 11,000 voters, finishing fourth in the race. Incumbent Mayor Patrick Collins secured reelection with more than 6,200 votes, while Rick Coppinger advanced to the general election in November.

A Hybrid Approach to Governance

Miller’s campaign proposed a unique “hybrid approach” to city management, positioning VIC as the primary decision-maker with Miller serving as the “humble meat avatar” for legal and practical execution. The AI bot was designed to process vast amounts of data, provide innovative solutions, and make unbiased decisions on behalf of Cheyenne’s residents.

“It’s about blending AI’s capabilities with human judgment to effectively lead Cheyenne,” the bot said.

VIC’s decision-making process, as outlined by the campaign, included gathering data on public opinion, holding town hall meetings, consulting experts, evaluating human impact, and ensuring transparency. Miller emphasized that AI would effectively be on the ballot, with no human oversight or veto power.

Legal and Ethical Challenges

The campaign faced several obstacles, including legal challenges and ethical concerns. Wyoming’s Secretary of State, Chuck Gray, investigated whether the bot could appear on the ballot, concluding that only registered voters can run for office. “Wyoming law is clear than an AI bot cannot run for office,” Gray wrote. However, Cheyenne city officials disagreed, stating that Miller, not the AI bot, was the actual candidate.

“Making decisions that affect many people requires a careful balance of data-driven insights and human empathy,” the AI bot responded, according to an audio recording obtained and published by the Washington Post.

Further complications arose when OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, shut down Miller’s account, citing policies against using its products for campaigning. Undeterred, Miller created another account and bot to continue his political efforts.

The Future of AI in Governance

Despite the election loss, Miller remains committed to his vision of AI-assisted governance. He plans to continue advocating for the integration of artificial intelligence in government decision-making through the Rational Governance Alliance. Miller’s campaign has sparked a broader conversation about the potential role of AI in public administration and the balance between technological innovation and human judgment in political leadership.

“We’re certainly little trailblazers. So it’s exciting,” Miller said, reflecting on the historic nature of his campaign.

As AI technology continues to advance, the Cheyenne mayoral race may be remembered as an early experiment in the intersection of artificial intelligence and local politics. While voters ultimately chose traditional human leadership, the campaign has raised important questions about the future of governance in an increasingly digital age.