Harnessing AI to Create a Comprehensive Voter’s Guide: A Journey with GPT o1 and You.com Genius Mode

Voter’s Guide is the end result of this project.

In an era where technology intersects with civic duty, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to make informed decisions is not just innovative—it’s essential. This blog post chronicles my experience using GPT o1 Preview and You.com Genius Mode to generate a detailed voter’s guide for the upcoming local elections in Polk City, Polk County, Iowa.

Introduction

As election season approaches, the importance of being an informed voter cannot be overstated. Local elections, in particular, often suffer from a lack of accessible information about candidates and ballot measures. Traditional media may overlook these races, leaving voters to sift through scattered resources.

Enter AI-powered language models. With tools like GPT o1 Preview and You.com Genius Mode, compiling comprehensive information has become more attainable. This post details how I utilized these AI tools to generate a voter’s guide, the steps involved, examples of the output, and reflections on the process.

The Challenge of Local Elections

Local elections are the backbone of our democratic system, affecting community services, education, infrastructure, and more. Yet, due to limited media coverage, voters often go to the polls without adequate information.

I faced this challenge when preparing for the Polk City local elections. Determined to make informed choices, I decided to create my own voter’s guide using AI technologies.

Step 1: Gathering the Ballot Information

The first step was to obtain a sample ballot for the upcoming election. This provided a list of all the offices and ballot measures up for vote, including:

• President and Vice President
• U.S. Representative District 3
• State Representative District 45
• County Supervisor District 2
• County Auditor
• County Sheriff
• County Hospital Trustee
• Soil & Water Commissioner
• County Agricultural Extension Council
• Judicial Retention Elections
• Constitutional Amendments
• Public Measures

Having the complete list ensured that no office or measure was overlooked in the guide.

Step 2: Crafting Detailed Meta Prompts

Next, I needed to create prompts that would guide the AI in generating comprehensive information for each office and candidate. I crafted a meta prompt that included specific instructions:

“Provide a brief description of the office, duties performed, issues and challenges that are faced in the next term. Then for each candidate prepare a biographical sketch including education, work history, civic and social club membership. Then prepare a list of what each is campaigning on, any endorsements, any scandals or criticism of them, if they are the incumbent, and what their opposition is saying. Please also include if their plans and goals are likely to be achievable and if they are likely to be successful. Finally, determine if the candidate and their statements do not align with past beliefs and statements. For non-partisan offices please also attempt to impute if the candidate is affiliated with any political party.”

This prompt was tailored for each office by inserting the relevant candidates and any specific details. For example, for the U.S. Representative District 3 race, the prompt included:

• Candidates:
  • DEM Lanon Baccam
  • REP Zach Nunn

Step 3: Running the Prompts Through AI Models

GPT o1 Preview

I first input the prompts into GPT o1 Preview, an advanced language model capable of generating detailed and context-rich responses.

Process:

• Opened GPT o1 Preview interface.
• Entered the tailored prompt for each office.
• Reviewed the output for completeness and accuracy.

Observations:

• The model provided structured, detailed information.
• It included biographical sketches, campaign platforms, endorsements, and potential criticisms.
• The language was formal and suitable for a voter’s guide.

You.com Genius Mode

Next, I used You.com Genius Mode, another AI-powered tool designed for content generation.

Process:

• Accessed You.com and selected Genius Mode.
• Input the same prompts used with GPT o1 Preview.
• Collected the generated responses.

Observations:

• The output was informative but sometimes less detailed than GPT o1 Preview.
• The language was accessible, potentially more engaging for general readers.
• Some sections required slight edits for consistency.

Step 4: Compiling and Formatting the Responses

After obtaining outputs from both AI models, I combined them to create a comprehensive guide.

Steps:

1. Copying Outputs:

   • Collected the text from both models.
   • Ensured all relevant information was included.

2. Formatting in Word Document:

   • Pasted the text into a Word document.
   • Applied consistent headings and subheadings for each office and candidate.
   • Used bullet points and numbering for clarity.

3. Editing and Proofreading:

   • Reviewed for grammatical errors and redundancies.
   • Ensured neutrality and objectivity in candidate descriptions.
   • Verified factual information when possible.

Example Excerpt:

Office Title: Polk County Auditor (Iowa)

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Elections Administration:
  • Oversees all aspects of primary, general, and special elections.
  • Manages voter registration records.
  • Organizes polling places and trains poll workers.

Candidate: Jamie Fitzgerald (DEM)

• Biographical Sketch:
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree from Grand View University.
  • Experience: Serving as Polk County Auditor since 2007.
  • Civic Involvement: Member of the Iowa State Association of County Auditors.
• Campaign Platforms:
  • Election Integrity and Accessibility: Ensuring fair and secure elections.
  • Transparency: Advocating for open government.
  • Technological Innovation: Modernizing office systems.
• Endorsements:
  • Supported by the Polk County Democratic Party.
  • Backed by community leaders and organizations.

Step 5: Generating an Executive Summary

To provide readers with a quick overview, I re-fed the compiled document into GPT o1 Preview, requesting an executive summary.

Prompt Used:

“Please create an executive summary of the following document…”

Outcome:

The AI generated a concise summary highlighting key points from each section. It effectively captured the essence of the guide, making it easier for voters to grasp the main information quickly.

Executive Summary Excerpt:

• Presidential Candidates:
  • Tim Walz and Kamala D. Harris (Democratic Party): Focus on climate change, healthcare, economic recovery.
  • JD Vance and Donald J. Trump (Republican Party): Emphasis on immigration, economic nationalism, law and order.
• Key Local Offices:
  • U.S. Representative, District 3:
    • Lanon Baccam (Democrat): Focus on veterans, economic development.
    • Zach Nunn (Republican): Emphasis on national security, economic growth.

Reflections on the Outcomes

Quality of the Generated Voter’s Guide

The AI tools provided a robust foundation for the voter’s guide, offering detailed and structured information. The content was informative, covering various aspects of each candidate and ballot measure.

Accuracy and Reliability

While the models supplied comprehensive data, it was important to cross-verify certain facts. AI-generated content can sometimes include inaccuracies or outdated information. I fact-checked critical details against official sources.

User Experience

The process was relatively straightforward. Both AI tools were user-friendly, and the ability to generate substantial content quickly was invaluable.

Examples of AI-Generated Content

On Judicial Retention Elections

Excerpt:

Judge: Justice David May – Iowa Supreme Court

• Education:
  • Bachelor of Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
  • Juris Doctor from Drake University Law School.
• Professional Experience:
  • Served as District Court Judge and Iowa Court of Appeals Judge.
  • Appointed to the Iowa Supreme Court in July 2022.
• Scandals or Criticisms:
  • None reported. Justice May has no known scandals or public criticisms.

On Constitutional Amendments

Amendment 1: Voter Eligibility and Qualifications

• Nature of the Change:
  • Seeks to modify the Iowa Constitution to explicitly state that only U.S. citizens aged 18 or older are eligible to vote.
  • Allows 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the next general election to vote in primary elections.
• Arguments For:
  • Ensures election integrity.
  • Provides clarity and uniformity.
• Arguments Against:
  • Considered redundant by critics.
  • Potentially exclusionary towards immigrant communities.

Possible Improvements and Next Steps

While the project was successful, there are areas for enhancement:

1. Incorporating Multiple Sources

• Action: Use additional AI tools or databases to cross-reference information.
• Benefit: Ensures greater accuracy and a more comprehensive perspective.

2. Customizing the Prompts Further

• Action: Tailor prompts to request more nuanced information, such as specific policy stances or voting records.
• Benefit: Provides deeper insights into each candidate’s platforms.

3. Engaging with Local Communities

• Action: Include statements or interviews from local voters or community leaders.
• Benefit: Adds a human element and local perspective to the guide.

4. Verifying Information Thoroughly

• Action: Allocate more time for fact-checking and updating any outdated content.
• Benefit: Enhances the credibility and reliability of the voter’s guide.

5. Formatting Enhancements

• Action: Utilize design tools to create a more visually appealing document.
• Benefit: Improves readability and engagement for users.

Conclusion

Harnessing AI tools like GPT o1 Preview and You.com Genius Mode proved to be a valuable endeavor in creating a comprehensive voter’s guide. The ability to generate detailed content swiftly addresses the information gap often present in local elections.

Final Thoughts:

• Empowering Voters: AI can democratize access to information, empowering voters to make informed decisions.
• Responsible Use: It’s crucial to use these tools responsibly, ensuring accuracy and unbiased representation.
• Future Potential: As AI technology advances, its applications in civic engagement will undoubtedly expand.

Encouragement for Others

I encourage fellow voters to explore AI tools for their informational needs. Whether creating a voter’s guide or researching candidates, AI can be a powerful ally in our democratic process.

Remember: While AI provides valuable assistance, it’s essential to approach its outputs critically, verify information, and consider multiple sources.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of integrating technology with civic responsibility. Together, we can make informed choices that shape the future of our communities.

About the Author

Andy Denner is a resident of Polk City, Iowa, with a keen interest in technology and civic engagement. Passionate about leveraging innovative solutions for community improvement, they explore the intersection of AI and public service.

Keywords: AI, Voter’s Guide, GPT, You.com Genius Mode, Local Elections, Civic Engagement, Technology in Democracy

Comments and Feedback

Have you used AI tools for similar purposes? Please me know and lets keep this convorsation going on social media

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