Bihar has become the first state in India to allow voters to cast ballots via mobile phones, State Election Commissioner Deepak Prasad announced Friday evening. The move comes ahead of Saturday’s municipal council elections in Patna, Rohtas, and East Champaran districts.
Eligible voters who cannot physically reach polling stations—including senior citizens, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and migrant workers—can now vote remotely using the dedicated e-SECBHR app.
To use the facility, voters must download the app, which is currently available only for Android devices, and link it to their phone number registered in the electoral roll.
An awareness campaign about the new e-voting system was held from June 10 to 22.
Prasad clarified that it remains uncertain whether mobile voting will also be offered during the upcoming Assembly election later this year. For now, the initiative is limited to Saturday’s municipal polls.
“This facility is meant for those unable to reach the polling station due to physical or locational reasons,” Prasad said, describing the launch as a step toward more inclusive and accessible elections.