During the Kerala Local Body Election 2020, an Android mobile application, Poll Manager, was used for data collection from the Polling Stations at pre-defined intervals on the Pre-Poll and Poll Day. The Poll Manager mobile app was widely appreciated for its ease of use and the quality of output produced. The app was used for the management of pre-poll day and poll day activities based on the field level reports. The app provided a feature ‘SOS’ which enabled the Presiding Officer/ First Polling Officer to immediately report any issues which stalled the poll process. The app also provided a communication plan with a direct dialling facility in an emergency.
The mobile app was primarily used by the Presiding Officers, First Polling Officers and Sectoral Officers. The presiding officer or first polling officer has to update 21 questions that indicate the poll readiness and polling progress. The questions were simple Yes/ No type or to give poll counts. The UI was simple and easy for even a novice user. The sectoral officers were also given access to the system wherein they could see the status of update of all the polling booths assigned to them. They were also provided permission to update the answers, where polling stations were facing connectivity issues. The app was supported by a portal that delivered up-dates and analytical data to the higher authorities. The authentication to access the App was based on the mobile number and One Time Password (OTP). The app was made available in the Google Play store for the users to download.