MP Election 2023: Indore introduces AI-equipped 'smart' polling station, 'inked finger' selfies & online token system

On 16 November 2023, the voting for the 230 seats in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly commenced, introducing a distinctive 'smart' polling station located in Indore. This technologically advanced station encourages voters to capture selfies after casting their votes.

Equipped with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) cameras, the smart polling booth is designed to ensure a modern and hassle-free voting experience for participants in the upcoming assembly polls.

Voting with AI cameras

At the Maa Kanakeshwari Devi Government College in Nanda Nagar, assembly constituency number 2, a ‘smart’ polling station has been set up for the convenience of voters during the assembly polls in Indore. The innovative features include AI-equipped cameras and an online token system, eliminating the need for traditional queues.

Online token system initiated

To ensure a smooth and queue-less voting process, an online token system has been introduced at the smart polling station.

Rupal Chopra, assistant planner of the state-run Indore Smart City Development Limited, explained, "To keep the smart polling station queue-less, we have introduced an online token system. People arriving for voting will be given token numbers, and they can sit comfortably in the polling station till their turn comes."

"To keep the smart polling station queue-less, we have introduced an online token system. People arriving for voting will be given token numbers, and they can sit comfortably in the polling station till their turn comes."

Rupal Chopra, assistant planner of the state-run Indore Smart City Development Limited

AI cameras capture 'inked finger' selfies 

Adding a touch of technology to the voting experience, an AI-equipped camera at the polling station allows voters to take 'inked finger' selfies.

"A digital selfie point has also been developed at the polling station, where an AI-equipped camera has been installed. After voting, if a person stands at this place and shows the camera his or her finger that has the indelible ink, a selfie will be clicked immediately,” an official said.

After casting their votes, individuals can stand at the designated selfie point, and upon displaying their inked finger, a selfie will be captured immediately. The photograph is then transmitted to the voter's mobile phone through a barcode, enabling easy sharing on social media.

With a total of 15.55 lakh eligible voters across five assembly constituencies in Indore, this smart polling station sets a precedent for combining technology and convenience in the democratic process.