Epicenter NYC Launches Election Information Chatbot

New Yorkers can access vetted voting information through a text and WhatsApp tool.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Elections

Isometric editorial illustration of a modular crystalline structure representing data organization, set against a blurred urban background. — Epicenter NYC has introduced an AI-powered chatbot to provide New York City voters with verified information derived from seven independent news organizations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you trust AI chatbots to provide accurate information about the voting process?

Epicenter NYC has launched a pilot election information chatbot to help voters navigate the voting process and ballot issues. The tool leverages reporting from seven independent newsrooms to provide accurate, locally focused election guidance.

Why it matters

This pilot program aims to combat the spread of misinformation and increase public access to vetted local journalism. By gathering community feedback, the initiative seeks to improve how news organizations serve voters in future election cycles.

Pew Research Center data shows 8% of U.S. adults utilize AI chatbots for election information, a figure that rises to 11% among those under age 50. The tool is accessible to the public via text or WhatsApp at 347-252-9070.

The players

Epicenter NYC

A New York City-based newsroom that focuses on local journalism and community-driven reporting.

Meedan

A nonprofit organization that creates open-source technology tools to combat digital misinformation.

URL Media

A media company that supports a network of independent, multiplatform newsrooms.

The details

The chatbot operates on the Suwali platform developed by Meedan and restricts its output to vetted reporting from Epicenter NYC, AsAmNews, Documented, India Currents, Native News Online, The Electorette, and The Oklahoma Eagle. This pilot is designed to refine the use of AI guardrails and collect data on how information resources should be structured after the 2026 midterms.

Epicenter NYC launched the election information chatbot on October 31, 2026.
Election Day is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

Political Context

This project follows a pattern set by the Pew Research Center report on AI chatbot usage for election information by targeting demographic groups identified as early adopters of new technology. Opposition to such tools often centers on concerns regarding algorithmic bias and the potential for AI-generated hallucinations in high-stakes civic communication.

Residents can use the tool to quickly receive verified answers about their local voting process and specific ballot measures. This automated service is intended to streamline information gathering for voters ahead of Election Day.

The takeaway

Voters should prioritize using tools built on vetted, institutional journalism to avoid the risks of AI-generated misinformation. Using platforms that are already integrated into daily communication habits, such as WhatsApp, may increase accessibility to critical civic information.

What happens next

The project will provide data to help the participating organizations develop and refine AI guardrails for future election coverage following the 2026 midterms.