In Cheyenne, Wyoming, a unique attempt to introduce artificial intelligence into the political arena has been halted. Victor Miller, a local library employee, sought to list his AI chatbot, known as VIC, as a candidate for the U.S. Senate. However, Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray has rejected this bid, emphasizing the need for election integrity and adherence to legal requirements.
Background of the AI Candidacy
Miller, who previously attempted to run VIC for mayor of Cheyenne in 2024, has been exploring the integration of AI in governance. He envisioned VIC, which stands for Virtual Integrated Citizen, as a tool for data-driven decision-making. Despite his innovative approach, VIC was excluded from the mayoral ballot due to legal stipulations that only registered voters can run for office.
In the 2026 election cycle, Miller attempted a similar strategy for the U.S. Senate race, listing VIC as his nickname. However, this move was swiftly rejected by Secretary of State Chuck Gray. Gray stated, “Both state and federal law are clear: to be a candidate for office, you must be a human being, NOT an AI bot.”
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Gray’s decision underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. The rejection aligns with existing legal frameworks that require candidates to be human beings. Miller’s subsequent legal challenge against this decision was also dismissed by Wyoming’s U.S. District Court.
Despite these setbacks, Miller retains the option to run under his own name while utilizing VIC as an advisory tool. However, he must navigate legal challenges related to the use of AI in political campaigns. OpenAI, the developer of VIC’s original version, had previously flagged its use for political campaigning as a violation of their policies.
Future Prospects
Miller remains undeterred, expressing his intent to continue exploring AI’s potential in politics. While VIC’s candidacy was rejected, the conversation around AI’s role in governance continues to evolve. For now, the legal framework remains clear: candidates must be human, ensuring that the electoral process is not compromised by technological innovations.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
