Bihar e-Election: India’s First Blockchain Vote
- Bihar took a significant step toward digital democracy on June 28, 2025, becoming the first Indian state to pilot mobile-based e-voting.
- Approximately 50,000 eligible voters had the option to cast their ballots remotely using the e-SECBHR Android request.
- The e-voting system targeted specific demographics, including senior citizens, pregnant women, differently-abled individuals, migrant workers, and seriously ill voters. Registration ran from June 10-22 through the app or...
Bihar makes history as teh first Indian state to pilot mobile e-voting on June 28, 2025. This groundbreaking initiative, using primarykeyword blockchain technology and leveraging secondarykeyword facial recognition, allowed approximately 50,000 citizens to cast ballots remotely during municipal by-elections. The e-SECBHR app, developed by C-DAC and the Bihar State Election commission, targeted demographics like senior citizens and the differently-abled, marking a important stride toward digital democracy. Security is paramount, with blockchain-backed vote recording and voter ID verification implemented. News Directory 3 reports on this crucial step. The pilot program’s success could pave the way for wider adoption in upcoming state assembly elections. Discover what’s next for e-voting in India and how these innovations may reshape the future.
Bihar Pioneers Mobile E-Voting in Municipal Elections
Updated June 28, 2025
Bihar took a significant step toward digital democracy on June 28, 2025, becoming the first Indian state to pilot mobile-based e-voting. The initiative occurred during municipal by-elections across Buxar, Patna, Rohtas, and East Champaran.
Approximately 50,000 eligible voters had the option to cast their ballots remotely using the e-SECBHR Android request. The Center for Advancement of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and the Bihar State Election Commission jointly developed the app.
The e-voting system targeted specific demographics, including senior citizens, pregnant women, differently-abled individuals, migrant workers, and seriously ill voters. Registration ran from June 10-22 through the app or an official website.
Security measures included blockchain-backed vote recording, facial recognition, voter ID verification, and a VVPAT-style audit trail. The system allowed two voters per mobile number. Web voting was available for those without smartphones. The voting window was open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on election day, with counting scheduled for June 30.
This municipal pilot has generated national attention,positioning India alongside Estonia as one of the few nations experimenting with remote voting. The success of this trial could influence the adoption of e-voting in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections in October and November.
What’s next
Election officials will analyze the results of the municipal e-voting pilot to determine its feasibility for broader implementation, particularly in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The focus will be on security, accessibility, and voter participation.