Koramangala SmartVotes- is an effort to improve the public amenities and create a new better civic life in our neighborhoods through collective action. Collective action will aim to reclaim the electoral process for the first and most immediate level of government-- that of the ward councilor--in a single ward for the upcoming municipal elections. Our effort is directed at inviting residents to join together in a pre election process that enables a candidate who is publicly identified, commonly chosen and who agrees to be accountable to succeed.

The Voter--Every resident needs to be contacted and assisted in getting their name on the electoral roll, being informed of the upcoming BBMP elections and the role of the ward councilor. Each resident is invited to be a part of the pre election process. Those who agree to be involved become electors for the common candidate. They also are free to join as area organizers who will assist those living in their street to find their name on the electoral roll, participate as electors in the debate, learn about the common candidate so chosen and finally turn out to vote on Election Day.

The Candidate--The candidate is anyone who decides to contest as a result of the outreach or was planning to stand anyway as an independent or on a party ticket. All candidates will be profiled and be willing to participate in the debate. They must also be willing to subscribe to the Residents Manifesto that is created in this process and be accountable to the Ward Council of Citizens who will work with the elected Councilor to implement this Manifesto.
Ward Manifesto and Counselor Charter--Is a set of basic guidelines that govern how a candidate will run the campaign—e.g., expenditure transparency and limits and an additional set of objectives to be achieved post election from elected office.

Citizen’s Council--Is a body of elected citizens who while holding no statutory power will operate in the spirit of the committees envisioned by the 74th constitutional amendment and work with the elected Councilor to ensure that the objectives identified in the pre-election process are met.

The debate--Will allow each citizen who has chosen to be a part of the process to receive each candidate’s profile, hear them debate and then vote for the common candidate (and possibly members of the Ward Council). All participants who were involved in the internal poll will be asked to support the candidate who emerges as the common candidate.

Post Debate--The profile and manifesto of the Common candidate will be made available to all individuals on the electoral roll and they will be encouraged to support the candidate, the process and turn out on Election Day to make this a reality.