Bihar Becomes First Indian State to Launch Mobile-Based E-Voting in Municipal Polls
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In a significant leap toward digital democracy, Bihar has become the first Indian state to implement mobile-based e-voting during its municipal by-elections. The initiative, launched on June 28, 2025, aims to make the electoral process more accessible to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, critically ill patients, and migrants who often find it difficult to reach polling booths.
The mobile voting system was piloted across six municipal councils, including Buxar, Patna, Rohtas, and East Champaran. Around 50,000 eligible voters who pre-registered before June 22 were allowed to cast their votes using a dedicated mobile application. Developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and the Bihar State Election Commission (SEC), the two Android apps—“e-Voting SECBHR” and the SEC’s own app—enabled users to verify their identity, view ballots, and submit their votes securely.
Security and transparency were central to the system’s design. It employed blockchain technology to ensure that every vote was immutable and traceable. Voter authentication involved multiple layers, including OTP verification, facial recognition, and live liveness checks to prevent impersonation or fraud. Each mobile number could be used to register a maximum of two voters, and votes remained encrypted until the counting phase, scheduled for June 30.
The mobile e-voting apps also incorporated VVPAT-like audit trails and optical character recognition (OCR) technology for automated vote counting. Digital locks were used to secure virtual “strongrooms” where encrypted votes were stored, ensuring that no unauthorized access could occur between polling and counting.
By enabling remote voting, this pilot program not only simplifies the voting process but also marks a significant step toward inclusive governance. Bihar’s move could serve as a blueprint for other states exploring ways to enhance voter turnout and modernize electoral systems. If successful, this model may eventually find its way into state and national elections, revolutionizing the way India votes.
As the country watches closely, Bihar’s bold experiment in remote mobile e-voting may pave the way for a new era of digital empowerment in India’s electoral landscape.
