Understand your sample ballot, with help from AI
3 min readLearning
Ballot wording can be confusing. AI can put it in plain words, so you can make up your own mind.
Before Election Day, most places let you see a sample ballot. It often has measures and amendments written in long legal wording. An AI chat app like ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude can help you understand what a measure says. It can't tell you how to vote, and it shouldn't. That part is yours.
Step 1: Find your sample ballot
Your county or state election office usually posts sample ballots online, and many mail a voter guide. If you're not sure where to look, vote.gov can point you to your state's election site. Use the official one, not a flyer or a social media post.
Step 2: Ask AI to explain the wording
Copy the exact wording of one measure into the chat.
Example: "Explain this ballot measure in plain words, like I'm new to this. What would change if it passes? What stays the same if it fails? Don't tell me how to vote."
Do one measure at a time.
Step 3: See both sides
Example: "List the main reasons people give for voting yes and for voting no on this measure, in a fair, balanced way, two or three each."
Then read the official voter guide, which often includes arguments for and against written by each side.
Step 4: Make your own notes
Example: "Make a simple one-page sheet with each measure's name and a blank line for my choice, so I can fill it in and bring it to vote."
You can usually bring paper notes or a marked sample ballot into the voting booth. Bring paper, since some polling places limit phone use, and take your notes with you when you leave. Rules vary, so ask your election office if you're not sure.
Things to know
- AI can be wrong or out of date about elections, candidates and rules. Check every date, rule and measure on your official election website.
- Never paste your voter ID number, Social Security number or date of birth into an AI chat. You don't need them for this.
- If a text or call tells you the election date moved or you can vote by text, it's a scam. Check with your election office.
Also read: Use AI to make your voting plan
Also read: How to use AI to check if a message is a scam
Also read: Use AI to summarize something long
More Learning guides
Questions
Can AI tell me how to vote?
No, and you shouldn't ask it to. Use it to understand the wording, then make up your own mind with your official voter guide.
Where do I find my sample ballot?
On your county or state election website, and in any voter guide they mail you. vote.gov can point you to your state's election site.
Can I bring notes into the voting booth?
Usually, yes. Bring paper notes rather than your phone, since some polling places limit phones. Rules differ, so check with your local election office.
Is this free?
Yes. The free version of ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude can do everything here, and our coach gives you 3 free prompts a day with no account needed.