Mechanics of Democracy Lab hosts annual Fall Conference

The Mechanics of Democracy Lab (MODL) hosted its annual Fall Conference at Arizona State University’s Downtown Phoenix Campus, bringing together election leaders, journalists, technologists, and scholars to examine the future of election administration. The two-day convening highlighted MODL’s commitment to strengthening democracy through innovation, collaboration, and human-centered solutions.

The first day’s morning program opened at Thunderbird’s Haas Digital Global Forum with welcome remarks from Bill Gates, Director of MODL, followed by Shannon Portillo, Director of the School of Public Affairs, and Thomas Hicks, Commissioner of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. Each emphasized the importance of trusted institutions, transparent processes, and cross-sector partnerships as states prepare for the 2026 election cycle.
David Becker, Executive Director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, set the tone for the day’s discussions before moderating a panel with Keely Varvel, Chief of Staff to the Arizona Secretary of State, and Michael Adams, Kentucky Secretary of State. Their bipartisan conversation underscored the shared administrative challenges states face and the importance of secure, accessible election systems.

A media-focused panel followed, featuring Yvonne Wingett Sanchez of The Atlantic, Kyung Lah of CNN, and Garrett Archer of ABC15 Arizona. The panel examined how journalists navigate misinformation, accurately communicate complex processes, and increasingly report in an environment shaped by generative AI. Panelists also reflected on their extensive coverage of Arizona’s 2022 elections, an experience that shaped national understanding of election operations, public trust, and the spread of mis- and disinformation.

Before lunch, attendees heard from Ricky Hatch, Clerk and Auditor of Weber County, Utah, who introduced The Elections Group, setting the stage for an update on the ASU AI & Elections Clinic, which would be featured more fully on day two of the conference. Noah Praetz, TJ Pyche, and Trevor Timmons previewed new tools designed to help election officials adopt emerging technologies safely and responsibly.

Throughout the day, many conversations intersected with themes highlighted in a recent ASU News article, “5 Takeaways About Artificial Intelligence and Elections,” which explores the challenges and opportunities AI presents for election administration. One consistent takeaway was that AI is already embedded in everyday life, underscoring why election officials must understand the technologies shaping voter information and engagement. The article also emphasized the challenge of balancing innovation with regulation, a tension echoed during the conference as panelists noted the need for experimentation alongside strong safeguards.

Transparency emerged as another central theme. Experts stressed the importance of third-party audits, publicly accessible data, and “glass-box” AI models that reveal how decisions are made. These principles align closely with MODL’s mission of making election technology more trustworthy and accountable.

Panelists further warned that AI could deepen political segmentation through hyper-targeted messaging. Yet many reaffirmed that authentic human connection remains irreplaceable. Personal conversations, in-person outreach, and community relationships continue to be essential tools for building trust, particularly in an era of rapid technological change.

In the afternoon, the conference continued at the Cronkite/PBS Studio for two televised panels moderated by Ted Simons of Arizona PBS. The first - “The Future of Elections in Arizona and 2026 Preparedness”, featured leaders from Pinal, Coconino, and Maricopa counties discussing readiness for 2026 and strategies to bolster voter confidence. The second - “Technology and Elections”, brought together Dr. Allison JoAnn Lester, Michael Moore, and Bill Gates to discuss cybersecurity, public-sector tech infrastructure, and the responsible integration of AI. Both panels will be available for viewing on Arizona PBS and online through the Cronkite/PBS event archive beginning next week.

The day concluded with an evening reception co-hosted by MODL and the McCain Institute, where Paul Fagan and Cynthia Lietz offered inspiring reflections on the challenges and possibilities ahead. The final panels brought some of the day’s most forward-looking discussions. In “Intelligence Reimagined: Charting AI’s Next Frontier,” leaders in AI development, policy, and tech governance examined what responsible innovation should look like. The closing session, “Governing, Integrity and the Future of Politics,” brought together experts in law, policy, and public service to reflect on how democratic institutions can maintain integrity amid accelerating technological and political change.