The Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory hosted a joint morning panel discussion
In partnership with Zócalo and LA Local, the Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory hosted a joint morning panel discussion, titled ‘How Will AI Reshape Our Elections?’, at ASU’s California Center on February 12th, 2026.
With the national midterm elections alongside high-profile contests in California’s mayoral and gubernatorial races, voters, election officials and policymakers alike are being forced to confront AI’s growing role in democratic life. The panel discussion explored the question of whether AI will emerge as a tool that strengthens civic engagement and digital literacy or as a force that accelerates disinformation and erodes trust.
The panel featured experts from across different critical sectors to create a well-balanced dialogue. The panelists included Gowri Ramachandran, Director for Elections and Security for the Brennan Center for Justice, Michael Moore, Chief Information Security Officer for the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office, and Darwin Mastin, CEO/Founder of TwinWise AI and moderated by Kristen Muller, Editor-in-Chief of LA Local. The conversation examined how AI is already being deployed in election contexts, the risks and opportunities it presents for voters and how officials and policymakers are preparing to govern its impact on the future of American democracy.
Check out the panel discussion below:
February 12th, 2026