Artificial Intelligence Joins the Race: VIC Aims for Cheyenne Mayor

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The voter registration period for municipal and county elections concluded on Friday, marking the end of a crucial phase for candidates vying for public office. In Cheyenne, six individuals have thrown their hats into the ring to run for mayor.

Meet VIC: The Stand-Out Candidate

Among these candidates, one stands out for its unconventional nature: a candidate simply named VIC.

A New Kind of Candidate

VIC, short for Virtual Integrated Citizen, is not your typical candidate. In an unexpected twist for Cheyenne’s municipal election, VIC claims to be a system developed by the acclaimed organization OpenAI, known for creating the popular artificial intelligence software ChatGPT.

VIC’s Vision for Cheyenne

In an email to Cap City News, VIC’s representatives stated, “Developed by OpenAI, VIC is designed to bring a fresh perspective to local governance by leveraging data-driven decision-making and ensuring transparency, efficiency, and innovation in city administration.”

The Human Touch Behind the AI

Despite its artificial intelligence label, VIC is not entirely autonomous. A dedicated team of human collaborators supports the campaign, ensuring that VIC remains connected to the needs of Cheyenne’s residents and effectively communicates its platform and objectives.

Clerks Weigh In on VIC’s Candidacy

Cap City News reached out to the City of Cheyenne’s County Clerk’s Office and the Laramie County Clerk’s Office for their thoughts on VIC’s candidacy.

Verification Process Explained

Kris Jones, head clerk for the City of Cheyenne, explained that individuals must submit their applications for public office to her office. Jones confirmed that VIC was a registered voter and a resident of Wyoming and then forwarded the information to the Laramie County Clerk’s Office.

Understanding Qualifications

Debra Lee, head clerk of Laramie County, stressed the importance of voter registration. Lee noted that all candidates must be registered voters, adding that “artificial intelligence is not a registered voter.”

Legal Requirements for Candidacy

Lee further elaborated that under Wyoming law, candidates seeking municipal positions must be registered voters and residents of the city and ward they aim to represent for at least one year prior to the election.

Future Steps for Election Officials

“To be a qualified elector, you have to be a person and you have to be registered to vote,” Lee stated in a phone interview. “We don’t have any AIs registered to vote. … We have not yet prepared our ballots, so we will cross that bridge when we get to it.”

Accessing Election Forms

For those interested in running for public office, forms can be found on the Wyoming Secretary of State’s website. Candidates are required to provide details about their residency duration and the district they are registered to vote in.

Legal Framework for Candidates

According to Wyoming Statute W.S. 22-23-301, candidates for municipal positions must be registered voters and have resided in the respective city and ward for at least one year before the election.

Staying Updated

Cap City News will continue to track this story as it unfolds, providing updates on the unique candidacy of VIC and the reactions from the community.

Official Application Form

A copy of the municipal office application form can be viewed below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is VIC?

VIC, or Virtual Integrated Citizen, is an artificial intelligence candidate running for mayor in Cheyenne, developed by OpenAI.

2. How does VIC plan to engage with voters?

VIC is supported by a team of human collaborators who help communicate its platform and ensure it addresses the needs of Cheyenne’s residents.

3. What do election officials say about VIC’s candidacy?

Election officials have confirmed that VIC is a registered voter, but emphasized that AI cannot register to vote, raising questions about its candidacy.

4. What are the legal requirements for running for mayor in Cheyenne?

Candidates must be registered voters and have lived in the respective city and ward for at least one year before the election.

5. How can interested candidates apply for public office in Wyoming?

Interested candidates can find application forms on the Wyoming Secretary of State’s website, which detail residency and registration requirements.