Epicenter NYC Launches Election Text and WhatsApp Chatbot Ahead of Nov. 3
The AI tool, built with URL Media and six partner newsrooms, aims to deliver verified voter information and combat misinformation.
Epicenter NYC has launched an AI-powered election chatbot in partnership with URL Media and six independent newsrooms, according to The Haitian Times, which republished the Epicenter NYC announcement dated Oct. 31, 2026. Available by text and WhatsApp at 347-252-9070, the tool answers questions about the voting process and ballot issues ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Organizers said answers are drawn only from vetted reporting, voter guides and election coverage from participating newsrooms, not the open web. The stated goals are to combat misinformation, make trusted local journalism more accessible and gather community feedback. Epicenter NYC cited Pew Research Center data finding that 8% of U.S. adults are already using AI chatbots for 2026 election information, rising to 11% among adults under 50, and that one in three U.S. adults uses WhatsApp, with higher usage among communities of color. The six URL Media partner newsrooms joining the pilot are AsAmNews, Documented, India Currents, Native News Online, The Electorette and The Oklahoma Eagle. The tool runs on Suwali, a community dialogue platform built by nonprofit technology organization Meedan. Organizers acknowledged the technology 'will never be perfect' and framed the pilot as a chance to learn and improve.