Mobile E-Voting Unveiled in Bihar: Details and Implications

Bihar has launched mobile-based e-voting for local elections, marking a significant advancement in the state’s electoral process. This initiative makes Bihar the first Indian state to offer this facility. This initiative was spearheaded by the State Election Commission. The system saw a participation rate of 70.20% among eligible e-voters, alongside 54.63% voting at polling centers. The first e-voter, Bibha Kumari, and the first male e-voter, Munna Kumar, cast their votes via mobile phones. The e-voting system is designed to allow voting from various locations. The e-voting app is restricted to two voters per mobile number and incorporates voter ID verification. The e-SECBHR app is currently available for Android devices. The system utilizes blockchain technology to secure votes and prevent tampering. Other security features include technologies such as VVPAT, FRS, OCR, and digital locks. This technology is designed to aid a broad range of voters, including migrant workers, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. Estonia pioneered online voting in 2005, and the technology has been trialed and implemented in many countries around the world, but some countries have since ended the practice.