Consultant Refuses to Pay Fine for AI Robocalls in NH Primary
Steve Kramer refuses to pay a $22,500 fine for AI-generated robocalls used to discourage voting in the 2024 NH primary, sparking legal and ethical debates.
Political Consultant Defies Court Order on AI Robocalls
A political consultant at the center of a national controversy over the use of AI-generated robocalls during the 2024 New Hampshire presidential primary has publicly refused to pay a court-ordered $22,500 fine to affected voters. Steve Kramer, a longtime political operative, was found in violation of federal law for orchestrating a campaign that used artificial intelligence to mimic the voice of former President Joe Biden, aiming to discourage voter participation in the primary.
The federal court ruling, issued in late November 2025, followed a lawsuit filed by the League of Women Voters of New Hampshire, the League of Women Voters of the United States, and several individual voters. The lawsuit accused Kramer, along with his companies Lingo Telecom, LLC and Life Corporation, of engaging in voter intimidation, coercion, and deception through the use of AI-generated robocalls. The calls, which falsely claimed to be from President Biden, urged voters not to participate in the primary, raising alarms about the integrity of the electoral process.
The Robocall Campaign and Legal Fallout
- The AI robocalls were distributed in the days leading up to the New Hampshire primary in January 2024.
- The calls used a synthetic voice that closely resembled Biden’s, telling recipients: “I’m calling to let you know that I’m dropping out of the race. There’s no point in voting.”
- The campaign targeted thousands of voters, many of whom were unaware the calls were not authentic.
- The League of Women Voters and affected voters filed a federal lawsuit, arguing that the calls violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and constituted voter suppression.
The court found Kramer and his companies liable for deceptive and illegal voter suppression tactics. In addition to the $22,500 fine, the court issued a permanent injunction prohibiting Kramer and his companies from engaging in similar activities in the future.
Kramer’s Defiance and Public Response
Despite the court’s order, Kramer has publicly stated that he will not pay the fine. In a recent interview and social media posts, he argued that the robocalls were a form of political satire and that the court’s decision was an overreach. “This was a political statement, not voter suppression,” Kramer said. “I stand by my actions and will not be bullied into paying.”
Legal experts and voting rights advocates have strongly criticized Kramer’s stance. “Refusing to pay a court-ordered fine for voter suppression is not only illegal but also undermines public trust in our democracy,” said a spokesperson for the League of Women Voters. “These AI robocalls were designed to deceive and intimidate voters, and the consequences must be enforced.”
Broader Implications for AI and Elections
The case has sparked a national debate about the use of artificial intelligence in political campaigns. As AI technology becomes more sophisticated, concerns are growing about its potential to be used for election interference, misinformation, and voter suppression.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued warnings about the use of AI-generated robocalls in political campaigns.
- Several states have introduced legislation to ban or restrict the use of AI in political robocalls.
- Voting rights organizations are calling for stronger federal regulations to prevent similar incidents in future elections.
Visuals and Key Figures
- Steve Kramer: Political consultant and defendant in the case.
- League of Women Voters of New Hampshire: Lead plaintiff in the lawsuit.
- AI-generated robocall screenshot: Example of the deceptive call script.
- Court documents: Official ruling and injunction.
Steve Kramer, political consultant at the center of the AI robocall controversy.
Example of the AI-generated robocall script used in the New Hampshire primary.
League of Women Voters of New Hampshire logo.
Conclusion
The case of Steve Kramer and the AI robocalls highlights the growing challenges posed by emerging technologies in the political arena. As AI continues to evolve, the need for robust legal and regulatory frameworks to protect the integrity of elections becomes increasingly urgent. The refusal to comply with a court order in this case underscores the importance of enforcing accountability and safeguarding democratic processes.
