Burst, a Boston-based startup whose technology facilitates mobile television, is teaming up with Sinclair Broadcast Group (NASDAQ: SBGI) this Election Day with a clear mission in mind. They want people to take videos of polling stations with their phones, so news outlets can share crowdsourced footage of what's really going down with voting.
"We're looking for a user-generated content flow... to help them find the really compelling stuff," Bryant McBride, co-founder and CEO of Burst, told us.
There's no app needed to take or share your mobile videos with video stations. McBride said you simply have to click on Join the Vote links on their local news stations' websites. With a second click, you can give television stations the commercial right to use the footage you take at the polls.
Through Burst's platform, Sinclair stations throughout the country will be vetting crowdsourced videos from hundreds of polling stations, including them in news coverage and updates throughout Election Day.
"We’re integrated into 50 markets with Sinclair," McBride said. "They’re our biggest partner.
In light of recent claims that the presidential election might be rigged, Burst and Sinclair are hoping this effort will increase transparency at the polls. McBridge suggested that Join the Vote could give voters an "if you see something, send something" opportunity.
Before you whip out your phone to grab footage of your local polls, bear in mind there are states in which it's illegal to take photos and videos at poll sites. So double-check the laws that apply to you so you're not hauled off in handcuffs.
"If you want more people to vote and get excited to vote, you need to change those laws," McBride added.
But until those laws change, err on the side of caution. Just ask Justin Timberlake, who's now dealing with legal drama because a ballot selfie he took.
