In a groundbreaking decision that could reshape the future of electoral participation in India, Bihar has become the first state in the country to allow voting via mobile phones. Bihar’s State Election Commissioner Deepak Prasad announced that voters from six municipal councils across Patna, Rohtas, and East Champaran districts would have the option to cast their vote using a specially developed mobile application, e-SECBHR. This initiative aims to make voting more inclusive, especially for individuals facing mobility challenges, such as senior citizens, disabled persons, pregnant women, and migrant workers. For the first time, the promise of technology is being harnessed to break physical and logistical barriers to the ballot box. 

Who Can Avail the Mobile Voting Facility?

The mobile voting option is specifically designed for individuals who are unable to visit polling booths due to physical or locational constraints. Eligible voters include senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and migrant voters who are away from their registered constituencies. As reported by The Hindu, this initiative is a long-overdue step toward making the electoral process more inclusive, ensuring that no citizen is denied their right to vote simply because of mobility challenges or geographical displacement.

How Does the E-Voting System Work?

To use the mobile voting option, voters must first install the E-SECBHR app, which is currently available only for Android users. Once installed, they need to link their mobile number that is already registered in the electoral roll. The system then requires Voter ID verification to confirm the voter’s identity before granting access. On election day, the vote can be cast either through the mobile app or the official website of the Bihar State Election Commission. To maintain transparency and prevent misuse, only two registered voters are allowed to log in using the same mobile number, ensuring that every vote remains traceable and legitimate.

The Tech Behind the Transformation

The e-SECBHR app was developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), in collaboration with the Bihar State Election Commission. From the outset, transparency and security were central to the system’s design. Blockchain Technology ensures that votes are stored in a secure, immutable format, significantly reducing the risk of tampering or hacking

Digital Security: Foolproof or Future-Proof?

Security concerns have long surrounded e-voting systems, but Bihar’s election officials have reassured voters that this digital platform is equipped with multi-layered safeguards. "Fool-proof digital security has been ensured," said Commissioner Prasad. The blockchain-backed system combined with real-time identity verification is designed to leave no room for manipulation. As of June 27, approximately 10,000 voters had already registered to use the mobile voting system. Additionally, another 50,000 are expected to vote via the Bihar Election Commission’s website—a clear indication that digital voting is finding early traction among the public.

Bihar’s entry into mobile phone voting is a bold and visionary move. It signals a larger shift toward digital inclusion, where accessibility, security, and transparency can coexist in the democratic process.