Strengthening democracy: How technology is powering electoral integrity

In a democratic society, electoral regulatory bodies serve as the cornerstone of integrity, transparency, and accountability. From local councils to national commissions, these organisations are entrusted with overseeing elections, ensuring compliance with electoral laws, and protecting the democratic process from fraud, interference and corruption. 

However, the rapid rise of digital media, influencers, deepfakes, and disinformation has fundamentally altered the landscape of political campaigning. What was once a relatively contained and observable process has expanded into an unpredictable digital battlefield. There’s no doubt that political campaigning has entered a new phase, one that demands greater scrutiny and adaptation by regulatory bodies. 

Fortunately, emerging technologies are reshaping how we protect democratic institutions. From monitoring campaigns to investigating breaches, AI offers new tools to uphold trust, security, and participation in elections. 

Let’s explore how these technologies are supporting each pillar of the electoral process. 

Rethinking campaigning in a digital world 

Campaigning remains a cornerstone of democratic engagement. While traditional methods like rallies and print advertising persist, today’s campaigns are largely digital—taking place across social media, websites, and messaging apps. 

While digital campaigning improves reach and engagement, it also brings significant risks. Misinformation, disinformation, unauthorised ads, data breaches, and even AI-generated deepfakes now threaten the fairness and credibility of elections. 

For example, the widespread dissemination of deepfakes can place intense pressure on elections, with the very real potential to alter electoral outcomes. To add to this, social media influencers and online advertising campaigns can also sway public opinion at a rapid pace.  

To combat these risks, AI-powered platforms are helping campaigns operate more transparently and responsibly. These systems can: 

• Monitor online platforms for deceptive or malicious content 

• Analyse voter sentiment to ensure more informed outreach 

• Detect patterns in disinformation and trace its origin 

Australian tech companies like Fivecast are pioneering solutions to combat these threats. Fivecast offers tools to law enforcement and other agencies to monitor online data sources, identify disinformation campaigns, and assess their risks. Their AI and machine learning-driven solutions help identify politically motivated disinformation, tracing how such content spreads and influencing public perception.   

For regulators, AI presents a powerful way to enhance oversight. By deploying intelligent monitoring systems, commissions can flag irregularities, enforce authorisation laws, and maintain electoral integrity in real time. 

Making voting easier, safer, and more accessible 

Voting is the foundation of any democracy, yet it can often be hampered by logistical challenges, accessibility issues, or concerns about security. Technology can play a transformative role in making the voting process more straightforward and trustworthy.  

AI-driven verification systems can authenticate voter identities swiftly, reducing wait times and improving security against impersonation. Electronic and remote voting options, supported by robust cybersecurity measures, can also expand access – particularly for remote or disadvantaged communities. With such tools, electoral bodies can better manage voter roll accuracy and prevent illegal voting activities, making voting more inclusive and trustworthy.  

Furthermore, the use of data analytics can help electoral bodies plan and allocate resources effectively, reducing the risk of voting congestion and long queues. Real-time monitoring systems can detect irregular patterns, ensuring votes are counted accurately and any anomalies are addressed promptly. 

These technological advancements can be leveraged to increase public confidence in elections, ensuring every voice is heard and counted in a safe, accessible manner. 

Investigating and enforcing electoral laws 

When violations occur – be it election fraud, illegal campaign funding, or disinformation dissemination – law enforcement agencies need rapid, efficient tools for investigation and enforcement. 

However, traditional forensic methods can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. In contrast, AI-powered investigative tools now offer significant efficiencies, enabling investigators and regulatory bodies to analyse large volumes of data quickly and accurately.  

Machine learning algorithms can detect patterns that might indicate election fraud, illegal fundraising, or other violations of electoral law.  

By adopting modern Electronic Investigation Management Systems (EIMS) like Comtrac investigative solutions, electoral commissions can respond more effectively to the dynamic challenges of political campaigning. The Australian Government Investigation Standards (AGIS) highlight the importance of an Electronic Investigation Management System (EIMS). As digital evidence becomes increasingly central to government investigations, having the right software in place to manage and present that evidence effectively is now essential.

Comtrac’s targeted AI model can analyses data and exhibits related to the offence, extracting key evidence to substantiate findings and uncover hidden connections or overlooked patterns. The ability to quickly connect evidence, assess risk, and build cases enhances the efficacy of investigations, reducing the time from suspicion to resolution. 

Enhancing cyber security and countering threats 

As elections become increasingly digital, they also become more vulnerable to cyberattacks and foreign interference. In fact, an article published earlier this year revealed that electoral commissions are under constant threat, with the Australian Electoral Commission subject to cyberattacks “almost every day.” The article also outlined how a NATO power had to scrap its election results due to cyberattacks and foreign interference. In this current climate, boosting cyber security ahead of elections is critical.  

Electoral agencies must stay ahead of these threats with robust cybersecurity frameworks and intelligence tools to protect the democratic process. AI-powered systems can identify vulnerabilities within electoral infrastructure and monitor for suspicious activities. By analysing network traffic and digital communications in real time, these tools can detect potential hacking attempts or disinformation proliferation before they cause significant harm. 

AI can also assist investigators and intelligence agencies to understand and counter disinformation campaigns that aim to manipulate public opinion or undermine trust in electoral outcomes. Using sophisticated data analysis, authorities can trace the origins of malicious content, identify coordinated disinformation networks, and respond swiftly to protect the integrity of elections.  

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) technology is a critical cybersecurity tool used by organisations to detect, monitor, and respond to potential threats across their digital infrastructure. SIEM systems, such as Microsoft Sentinel built on Azure, collect and aggregate data from a wide range of sources—such as servers, firewalls, applications, and endpoints – and analyse this information in real time to identify suspicious patterns or malicious activity.  

A smarter future for electoral oversight 

In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, electoral commissions and regulatory bodies around the world face growing pressure to maintain the integrity, security, and fairness of democratic processes. Emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are not just tools for efficiency—they are foundational to building more resilient electoral systems. 

AI empowers regulators to respond faster, work smarter, and stay ahead of threats. From analysing vast datasets to detecting misinformation and enhancing investigative capabilities, intelligent systems are transforming how democracies function at every level. 

By embracing these innovations, electoral authorities can ensure their systems are transparent, inclusive, and equipped for the challenges of modern democracy. The future of electoral oversight isn’t just smarter: it’s stronger, more secure, and more accountable. 

At Comtrac, we’re proud to support electoral commissions and regulatory bodies across Australia in the fight against fraud, misinformation, and unlawful political activity. Our platform streamlines investigations, boosts compliance enforcement, and helps protect the integrity of electoral processes.

If you’re responsible for maintaining fair and lawful elections, book a demo today to learn more about how we can help you.