In a pioneering move to increase participation, the Baroda Bar Association (BBA) will deploy technology to broadcast real-time voting data during its elections on December 19. This initiative aims to 'nudge and remind' eligible advocates to cast their votes, potentially setting a new record for voter turnout.
How the Real-Time Nudge System Works
The core of this experiment lies in a personalized software program developed specifically for the association. Joint Election Commissioner of BBA, Advocate Hitesh Gupta, explained that digitization of records made this possible. The system will stream live data through a link shared on the BBA's social media handles.
As soon as a ballot paper is issued at the polling booth, the voter's name will appear on this public link. This instant update will allow contesting groups and their supporters to see who has voted and promptly reach out to those who haven't, encouraging them to participate.
Aiming for a Historic Turnout
The association has never witnessed a voter turnout exceeding 70% in its previous elections. With 4,515 eligible voters out of a total of 4,900, the BBA hopes this technological intervention will help break that ceiling. "We hope that this year, we will have a record in terms of the voter turnout," stated Gupta, emphasizing that the system is designed to benefit both candidates and the democratic process.
The technical setup involves using Google Forms to upload photographs of voters into the digital list. Advocate Hitesh Patel, another Joint Election Commissioner, played a key role in developing the software using available apps. This live display is being hailed as an example of maximum utilization of digitalization in election management.
The Implications of Transparency
This marks the first time an election of this kind will have real-time data of voters who have cast their ballots available to the public. While designed to increase participation, this move also introduces a new level of transparency—and social pressure—into the voting process. The BBA's experiment in Vadodara is being closely watched as a potential model for other professional bodies seeking to boost engagement in their internal elections.
The polls are scheduled for December 19, and the association's leadership is optimistic that the live data feed will create a more dynamic and participatory election day, fostering a stronger sense of collective responsibility among its members.
