Dallas voters witnessed an unusual sight on November 3 at the Fretz Park Library polling site. Two humanoid robots, each with a sign perched on its head, moved about the parking lot delivering anti‑James Talarico messages. One robot’s sign read, “Talarico changes his mind more than I change my batteries,” while the other declared, “Say no to Talafreako.”
Robots on the campaign trail
The video supplied to FOX 4 shows the bots strolling, turning, and even briefly interacting with passers‑by before resuming their patrol of the area. Although the machines could not cast ballots, their presence added a memorable visual to an otherwise routine election‑day scene.
Owner’s background and previous appearances
The robots were supplied by Aaron Mehdizadeh, founder of The Robot Company, which manufactures the human‑like bots. Mehdizadeh first attracted local attention in May when he boarded a Southwest Airlines flight with his companion robot, Stewie, and purchased a ticket for the machine to travel to Las Vegas. Following that flight, Southwest updated its baggage policy to ban both human‑like and animal‑like robots from future trips.
When asked about the Dallas appearance, Mehdizadeh explained that he ensured the robot’s battery complied with Federal Aviation Administration limits before the outing. “I understand why people have the fear,” he said. “But if you are aligned towards the future and position yourself to be always learning, every new AI feature that comes out, and being ahead of the curve, this could be one of the greatest things that’s ever happened in human history.”
Context for the candidate
James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, is currently campaigning across the state. While the robots’ messages were clearly critical, there is no indication that the display was coordinated with any campaign organization. The novelty of the robots underscores the increasingly creative—and sometimes unconventional—ways political commentary is expressed during elections.
Local reaction
Onlookers captured the robots on their phones, posting the footage to social media platforms where it quickly garnered comments ranging from amusement to bewilderment. Some voters expressed concern that the robots could distract from the voting process, while others appreciated the light‑hearted, if pointed, political satire.
Election officials at the Dallas County Polling Center confirmed that the robots did not interfere with voting operations and that the polling site remained open and orderly throughout the day.
What’s next for the bots?
Mehdizadeh hinted that the robots may appear at other public events later in the election cycle, though he did not specify any upcoming locations. As the midterm races continue, the presence of these mobile machines may become a recurring, if unconventional, feature of the local political landscape.
Original reporting: Dallas – Ft. Worth Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
