The Polling Place Photo Project is a nationwide experiment in citizen journalism that seeks to empower citizens to capture, post and share photographs of democracy in action. By documenting their local voting experience on November 7, voters can contribute to an archive of photographs that captures the richness and complexity of voting in America.
Thanks to Jay Rosen for the heads up.
Design for Democracy is sponsoring the “Polling Place Photo Project.” They ask that we photograph the 2024 election! Larry Lessig’s little duckies at the Stanford Center for Internet, Society and Casual Class Privilege will be standing by as democracy help desk support all day November 7. (All day California time means, well… our polls open three hours after yours open, and we like won’t exactly be — you know — out of bed for an hour or two after the polls have opened, and then there’s the matter of the double mocha chai skim latte, and — you know — on Tuesday I have this regular exercise thing, so I’ll be at the gym either before or after the Starbucks run… probably before, but maybe, like — you know — after, so I’ll be all like available to help out with any pressing freedom of speech and assembly questions like, well — 3:30 my time for half an hour or so. Unless something comes up. No wait. This all day thing is too complicated so listen: if something occurs to you, why don’t you just send in your questions in advance, and then we can — you know — like answer the hypotheticals for you).
One question: WHY?
Yeah, a big sticking point will be the laws against photographing people entering or leaving a polling place. I’m sure the root intent of this project is noble, however, in reviewing the linked site, I’m kinda asking, what are we, Iraq? Taking photos of polling places doesn’t guarantee that “democracy” happened, merely the act of voting. And there is a difference. I won’t get into the whole Diebold thing, but “Diebold.” I trust I’ve said enough to advance the conversational football.
Oh… reading the “about” page I think I found the seamy underside to this project:
With citizen’s images and the information that accompanies them, the Project becomes a research tool on how voting happens in America and how it can be designed to be easier, less confusing and more enjoyable.
In other words, we get paid to do the consulting work, the rest of you are “empowered” to take photos of “democracy in action”… and provide these firms with freebie study materials. Uh huh. Another item for the “UGC is Evil” folder.