Bihar Pioneers India’s First Mobile-Based e‑Voting System for Urban Polls.
National
In a historic step toward digital democracy, the Bihar State Election Commission has initiated India’s first mobile-based e‑voting system for urban local body elections, allowing voters to cast their ballots directly via smartphones.
- The new system enables migrant workers, senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities to vote from home using a secured mobile app—especially benefiting those who may struggle to reach polling stations.
- Eligible voters can register through a dedicated app by 22 June 2025. On polling day, they verify their identity with an OTP, and the app features a confirmation screen akin to VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) before finalizing the vote.
- The platform uses two-factor authentication (OTP) and blockchain encryption to ensure a tamper-proof voting process. Additionally, the ECI’s ECINET dashboard will oversee data integrity, streamline roll updates, and manage polling efficiently.
Main Point :- (i) The mobile e‑voting system will be piloted during elections in six municipal bodies on 28 June. It will permit up to two voters per device, enhancing flexibility while ensuring controlled access.
(ii) To maintain secrecy and security, a mobile-phone deposit facility will be established outside polling stations, managed by the ECI. Once voters have cast their votes, they can retrieve their devices.
(iii) This initiative marks a significant stride in Digital India efforts and sets a precedent for remote voting in municipal elections. It aligns with the ECI's broader array of modernization measures—like M3 EVMs, VVPATs, and ECINET—aimed at enhancing transparency and voter accessibility.
About Bihar
Chief minister: Nitish Kumar
Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan
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