E-Voting Begins in Bihar: How It Works, When to Vote, and Security Measures

Bihar has made history by launching mobile-based e-voting in local body elections, becoming the first state in India to implement such a system. State Election Commissioner Deepak Prasad highlighted that 70.20% of eligible voters utilized e-voting, while 54.63% voted at polling centers. Bibha Kumari from Pakri Dayal, East Champaran, became the first e-voter in the country using a mobile phone. Electronic voting allows voters to cast their ballots from home, abroad, or kiosks. The e-voting app allows only two voters per mobile number and requires voter ID verification. The e-SECBHR app, currently available for Android, needs voter registration with the number listed in the voter list. Voters can cast their vote on the voting day, and they cannot vote again after casting their ballot. The system uses blockchain technology for security, similar to the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) used in EVMs, along with Face Recognition System (FRS), Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for vote counting, and digital locks. This digital system aims to aid migrant workers, senior citizens, and those with disabilities. Estonia pioneered online voting in 2005, and while e-voting has been implemented in countries like Belgium, France, and Australia, some have since discontinued it due to security concerns.