Historic first: Bihar introduces mobile voting in India

To prevent fraud, Bihar’s new e-voting system allows only two registered users per mobile number, verifies each vote against official ID records, and enables voting via the e-SECBHR app or the election commission’s website

In a landmark move, Bihar today launched India’s first mobile app-based voting system, allowing voters to cast their ballots remotely in municipal elections across six councils in Patna, Rohtas, and East Champaran. State Election Commissioner Deepak Prasad confirmed that e-voting is being held on June 28, 2025, as part of the pilot initiative.

Expanding access to vulnerable voters

Designed to assist senior citizens, people with disabilities, pregnant women, migrant workers, and others facing difficulty reaching polling stations, the e-voting system has already registered 10,000 users. Officials expect around 50,000 voters to participate via mobile, marking a significant stride toward inclusive electoral participation.

Security through advanced technology

The platform uses blockchain technology to ensure that votes are recorded immutably, alongside a facial recognition system that verifies voter identity during login. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is employed in the vote-counting process, while audit trails mimic the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in electronic voting machines. Digital locks on EVM storage further bolster security. Prasad emphasized the importance of safety measures: “Strong digital security measures are in place, enabling migrant labourers, the elderly, pregnant women, and divyang voters to exercise their right to vote.”

Only two registered users are allowed per mobile number, and each vote is cross-verified against official voter ID records to prevent fraud. Voters register by downloading the e‑SECBHR app on Android, linking it to their registered mobile number, and then casting their vote on the election day through the app or the State Election Commission website.

A blueprint for future elections