New Delhi: In a significant push toward digital democracy, the Bihar State Election Commission showcased an Artificial Intelligence-powered e-voting system at the ongoing AI Impact Summit 2026, drawing attention for its potential to transform how elections are conducted in the state.
The announcement came during the high-profile summit in New Delhi, where governments, technology leaders and innovators are discussing the future of AI and its application across sectors. Bihar’s pavilion at the event highlighted how emerging technologies can be used to improve citizen participation and accessibility in elections.
A New Voting Option for More Inclusive Participation
For the first time, Bihar has introduced a secure, mobile-based e-voting platform aimed at enabling voters who face difficulties reaching polling booths to cast their ballots easily. Designed to be used on smartphones, the system leverages AI technologies such as secure authentication and facial recognition to verify voter identity and ensure the integrity of the vote.
Officials explained that this approach is especially beneficial for voters who live outside their constituency, including:
- migrant workers
- students studying away from home
- senior citizens
- pregnant women
- people with disabilities
By allowing these groups to vote remotely, Bihar hopes to reduce barriers that often lead to voter exclusion.
How the E-Voting System Works
According to information shared at the summit:
- Voters download a dedicated official e-voting app to their mobile device.
- They authenticate using their registered mobile number via OTP.
- The app then links to their Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) and uses live facial recognition to confirm identity.
This multi-layered process is designed to maintain voter security while making voting more accessible.
Looking Ahead: Assembly Elections and Beyond
Bihar’s election authorities said they plan to expand this model ahead of the next Assembly elections, aiming for wider adoption and refinement based on public feedback and technological performance. The initiative reflects a broader trend of experimenting with technology to strengthen democratic participation in India and address traditional challenges in election logistics.
The AI Impact Summit 2026, held from February 16 to 20, has become a platform not just for showcasing cutting-edge technologies but also for exploring how AI can be harnessed to solve real-world governance issues — with Bihar’s e-voting project emerging as one of the summit’s most talked-about innovations.
