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Semi-human — that might be the best way to describe a new United Conservative phone system that’s so awkward, it’s laughable.

It called New Democrat volunteer Kyle Hamilton recently to see if he wants to vote conservative in the upcoming election. The voice sounded real. So Hamilton asked about the UCP platform.

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But something was slightly off. Hamilton got only the bio of candidate Marjorie Newman in return. He asked what small business she runs and the voice said it couldn’t answer because it’s “in training.”

Frustrated, Hamilton asked if it’s a recording. With an eerie canned laugh, the voice denied it. Hamilton then asked if it can “say carrot” and the conversation went rapidly downhill. Hamilton was so mad he posted the recording to social media.

Welcome to electioneering in 2019. With both a provincial and a federal election on the horizon, voters can expect many more semi-human interactions as parties use several new technologies to expand their reach.