Bihar, for the first time in India, has launched a mobile-based e-voting system for urban local body polls, aiming to make voting accessible for migrant workers, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. Eligible voters can register by June 22, 2025, via a dedicated app and cast their votes digitally on polling day.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) will also introduce ECINET, a unified dashboard to streamline voter rolls and booth management, promising greater transparency and higher turnout ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Digital Democracy Arrives in Bihar
Bihar has become the first Indian state to implement a mobile-based e-voting system for urban local body elections, setting a landmark precedent in digital democracy. The initiative, rolled out by the State Election Commission, empowers eligible voters—including migrant workers, senior citizens, and people with disabilities—to cast their votes from anywhere using a secure mobile app. Registration for e-voting is open until June 22, 2025, with voting enabled on polling day.
Officials from the ECI, such as Assistant Director Apurva Kumar Singh, highlight that the new system uses OTP verification, allows two voters per device, and employs blockchain technology to encrypt and store votes, ensuring data security and preventing tampering. “We’re introducing changes based on feedback, many debuting with Bihar elections,” Singh said. The process also includes a confirmation screen for voters, mirroring the VVPAT system’s transparency.
Enhancing Accessibility and Transparency
The initiative is designed to address longstanding barriers to voting faced by millions. For those unable to reach polling booths due to physical constraints or migration, the mobile e-voting system is a game-changer. “This will ease voting for those who cannot physically reach booths,” said Singh.
Alongside, a Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls is underway to remove outdated entries. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have been issued standard photo IDs, and duplicate voter ID issues have been resolved, further reducing errors and fraud.
The ECI’s new ECINET dashboard will replace over 40 digital platforms, centralising voter data and booth management to streamline operations and enhance transparency. Bihar’s current voter turnout of 56.28% is targeted to rise closer to the national average of 66.10%.
A Step Towards India’s Digital Electoral Future
The launch of e-voting in Bihar reflects the ECI’s broader push to integrate technology into electoral processes. This pilot project could serve as a blueprint for national implementation, especially if it successfully boosts participation and trust in the electoral system.
The use of AI for identity verification, blockchain for secure vote storage, and a unified digital dashboard for administration are all part of a comprehensive strategy to modernise India’s democracy. The changes have been met with optimism by election officials and civil society, who see digital solutions as a way to make elections more inclusive and resilient against fraud.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian applauds Bihar’s bold step towards digital inclusion in democracy, recognising the potential to empower millions who have historically faced barriers to voting.
By prioritising accessibility, transparency, and security, this initiative embodies the values of peace, dialogue, and empathy that underpin a healthy democracy. It also sets a positive example for other states to follow, fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion.
