We like it! We love it! We want more of it. Thank you WAPO!
On Tuesday May 8, the Washington Post ran an article about voter protection. The article feels like a breakthrough that the grassroots can celebrate. Instead of publishing the usual hand-wringing over election interference spiced with bad news about intimidation tactics, resignations, and threats, the article described the proactive steps Arizona’s Secretary of State is taking to combat deepfakes designed to deceive voters and election officials.
As Grassroots Connector readers know, millions of us are stepping up efforts to prepare for the 2024 election, but it’s rare to see our foundational work mentioned in the mainstream media. In their article, Sarah Ellison and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez reported that scores of election workers gathered at a Phoenix-area hotel in December for a first-of-its-kind training drill.
In his welcome message, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes emphasized that the event was designed for election workers “to hone your skills by experiencing new challenges as a team.” But there was a catch. Fontes’ video, as “he” explained, was itself a deepfake, eerily real yet frightening in its implications. (The deepfake video, captured in the photo above, accompanies the article linked above.)
The Post credited the design of the training to The Brennan Center, a nonpartisan law and policy group, and the Elections Group, which consults with election officials across the country. Hearing from officials who felt unprepared for the impact of AI, the Brennan Center “helped develop parts of the tabletop exercise for Arizona,” said Larry Norden, senior director for elections and government.
Deepfakes are a real threat to voter participation. By perfectly mimicking voices and even talking heads, deepfakes can put words in anyone’s mouth. In the recent NH primary, voters received calls from a voice that sounded like Joe Biden urging them not to vote. To counter such deception, The Brennan Center has published a report with recommendations and is launching trainings in other states.
Because election workers, as well as voters, are potential victims, Arizona is training them to detect deepfakes. With increased awareness, protocols, and plans, they are now equipped to counter the threat.
Overall, the Post article sent the message that election workers are getting ready to confront the latest threats. And both nonprofit organizations like the Brennan Center and Secretary of State office holders like Fontes are coordinating across the country. We know we’re stronger than the bad actors when we collaborate and stay true to mission. Thank you, WAPO, for noticing.
I wonder if GOP Secretaries of State and County officials are signing up for training as well