E‑Voting for Urban Polls

Current Context :The Bihar State Election Commission announced India’s first Android‑based e‑voting trial for upcoming municipal elections.

ABOUT BIHAR E‑VOTING

• System: Dual Android apps (“e‑Voting SEC BHR”) developed by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing and State Commission.
• Security: Blockchain ledger, facial‑verification liveness checks, and tamper‑proof audit trail akin to VVPAT.
• Eligibility: Urban voters with Aadhaar‑linked registration; demo in select wards before wider roll‑out.
• Benefits:
  • Enhanced accessibility for migrant, elderly, and disabled
  • Potential to boost turnout and reduce Booth‑level time.
• Challenges: Cybersecurity risks; digital divide concerns; ensuring privacy and non‑coercion.