Argentina’s electoral chamber launches “Vot-A” chatbot to counter misinformation in the election

The Argentine National Electoral Chamber (CNE) has announced the launch of a chatbot named ‘Vot-A’ on WhatsApp to address queries and counter misinformation surrounding the upcoming elections in the country.

The chatbot, available from now, will operate throughout the primary and general election process and up to the conclusion of the final electoral process, which will yield a new president.

The CNE unveiled the WhatsApp Chatbot with the goal of establishing a direct communication channel to clarify doubts about this year’s electoral process.

It believes the tool will provide “accurate and dynamic” information to citizens, thus helping prevent misinformation.

The automated assistant will answer queries regarding polling locations, valid voting documents, polling authorities, how to report incidents, and how to justify non-voting.

To access the chatbot, citizens need to add a phone number to their contacts or initiate the conversation via a link or QR code.

This chatbot launch is part of ongoing efforts by the CNE, WhatsApp, and Meta to combat misinformation.

The primary elections will be held on August 13, the general elections to choose the president, senators, deputies, and local positions on October 22, and a potential second round of the presidential elections on November 19 if candidates do not reach the majorities established by law.

Several candidates will be participating in the elections, including economy minister Sergio Massa, Buenos Aires mayor Horacio Rodríguez Larreta, and former security minister Patricia Bullrich.

Also competing is economist Javier Milei.