Ballots and bots: Reimagining democracy with AI-led electoral evolution

It’s a known fact that not everyone ends up voting during elections. This year, the key reason for low voter turnout in urban and semi-urban areas was ‘urban apathy’ according to the Chief Election Commissioner of India.

Add to that, factors like logistical challenges in the form of snaking queues at poll booths and a lack of proper amenities in congested urban areas, what you get is a discouraged voter who is not interested in being a part of the electoral process. Base human emotions like apathy should not be getting in the way of our most important duty as citizens of a democracy.

Is there a way out?

Imagine a future when, on voting day, you wake up, turn on your mobile phone, and simply visit the official voting website. With your Aadhaar linked to the visual AI systems, your face becomes your password.

Then, with just one glance, you can verify your identity and claim your space in the democratic process. You vote for your choice of candidate, and there’s nothing between you and the voting process. No lines, no paperwork, just hassle-free voting from the comfort of wherever you are.

Sounds too easy, right? Well, it may soon be a reality with the help of visual artificial intelligence (AI).

This advanced technology has the potential to verify voters’ identities accurately, maintaining the integrity of each vote. Visual AI can scan and recognise your face, confirming your identity and preventing fraud.

This secure and efficient system could make voting more accessible and ensure that the right number of votes are counted for each candidate. By leveraging Visual AI and connecting it with Aadhaar, we could safeguard our democratic process and ensure a fair outcome, securing the nation's future with precision and reliability.

The possibility of absolutely eliminating long queues and increasing voter convenience is an extremely powerful proposition that would greatly elevate voting integrity and embolden democracies worldwide.

Empowering inclusive voting

In the pursuit of a truly inclusive democracy, harnessing the power of AI holds immense promise, particularly in ensuring accessibility for individuals facing mobility challenges or those advancing in age.

Think of a differently-abled citizen who, with the aid of an AI-powered voting system, can participate in the electoral process independently from the comfort of their own home.

AI vigilance on election day

Visual AI’s importance goes beyond ensuring ease of voting. AI algorithms can effectively distinguish abnormal patterns or activities that may suggest potential cyber threats, including unauthorised access attempts. It can also meticulously oversee social media platforms for signs of misinformation campaigns and analyse voting patterns for irregularities, thereby ensuring the sanctity of the electoral process across the globe.

In the face of increasing disinformation campaigns, AI emerges as a powerful ally in combating the spread of false narratives. With the help of AI algorithms, it can analyse text, images, and dissemination patterns to identify misleading information, flag it for review, or reduce its visibility to curb its influence.

Ethics, AI, and the electoral process

Implementing AI in electoral processes requires careful consideration to ensure its use is ethical and fair. This involves transparency in how AI systems are designed and deployed, making sure they respect voter privacy and civil liberties. Establishing clear guidelines and ethical standards for AI in elections can also help maintain public trust and safeguard democratic principles.

Addressing biases in AI algorithms

The prevalence of hyper-realistic AI-generated content underscores the importance of addressing biases inherent in AI algorithms. In the electoral context, biases present in the training data can lead to unfair advantages for certain voter groups.

To counter this, it is crucial to leverage diverse and representative data sets for AI training, coupled with regular audits, to detect and rectify biases.

Additionally, involving a diverse array of developers and stakeholders in the AI development process can help mitigate risk bias and champion fairness in electoral practices.

Regulatory frameworks

Inclusivity in the electoral process, enhanced security, efficient voter verification, and combating misinformation undoubtedly lead to a stronger and more vibrant democracy.

To leverage any of these benefits, democracies will first need to lay down robust frameworks that set forth clear standards for transparency, accountability, and fairness in the application of AI technologies.

Such measures should encompass robust data protection protocols and accessible avenues for addressing grievances arising from AI-driven decisions.

By cultivating a structured legal environment, these frameworks will not only mitigate potential abuses but also uphold the democratic essence of electoral processes.

With these frameworks in place, visual AI can transform elections into secure, inclusive, and transparent processes that reflect the true will of the people. Ultimately, embracing visual AI in electoral systems promises to fortify the democratic foundation, ensuring every voice is accurately heard and respected.

Dr Shreeram Iyer, Group Chairman and CEO, Prisma AI