In a historic step towards digitizing the democratic process, Bihar on Saturday, June 28, 2025, became the first state in India where voters exercised their franchise using mobile phones. The breakthrough was part of the municipal bypolls and elections conducted across six Nagar Panchayats in districts including Patna, Buxar, Rohtas, and East Champaran.
The new facility allowed a select group of voters — primarily senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women — to cast their votes from the comfort of their homes using a specially designed mobile application. This initiative, launched by the Bihar State Election Commission, aims to make the electoral process more inclusive and accessible.
According to officials, traditional electronic voting machines (EVMs) remained the primary method of voting at 489 polling booths. However, a parallel mobile voting system was piloted for registered individuals in vulnerable categories who had opted for the remote voting method during pre-election registration.
Bihar’s Chief Electoral Officer, S. K. Pradhan, said in a press briefing, “This is a landmark moment for the Indian democratic process. Our mobile voting system has been introduced after several layers of testing to ensure security, anonymity, and integrity of votes. It reflects the state’s commitment to inclusivity and digital advancement.”
The mobile app, developed under the State Election Commission’s tech initiative, uses two-factor authentication, including Aadhaar verification and facial recognition, to validate voters. The app is also designed with accessibility features for users with visual or physical impairments. Officials added that the platform follows strict encryption protocols and backend checks to prevent fraud or duplication.
In addition to the app, eligible voters were also given the option to vote through the State Election Commission’s official website. Both platforms were open during polling hours and monitored in real-time by election authorities.
This significant innovation was part of the election conducted for 538 candidates contesting across six Nagar Panchayats. Voter turnout was reported to be robust, and the introduction of mobile voting reportedly saw high enthusiasm among eligible remote voters.
Sarla Devi, a 72-year-old resident of Patna and one of the mobile voters, expressed her joy: “I didn’t think I’d be able to vote this time due to my arthritis. But the app was simple and easy to use. It made me feel empowered.”
Political analysts view this move as a potential model for future state and national elections. “If scaled successfully, this could revolutionize the way elections are held in India,” said political commentator Ravi Ranjan. “It particularly benefits segments of the population often excluded due to mobility or health concerns.”
While this is just a pilot phase, early indicators suggest success. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is reportedly observing Bihar’s rollout closely and may consider similar trials in other states.
The implementation of mobile voting comes amid broader efforts under the Digital India mission to modernize governance and civic participation. If widely adopted, this could pave the way for a more inclusive, tech-driven electoral system in the world’s largest democracy.
Sources:
- Bihar State Election Commission Press Brief, June 28, 2025
- Interview with S.K. Pradhan, CEO Bihar
- ANI, The Hindu, and Indian Express reports dated June 28–29, 2025
