Bihar to Issue New Tech-Enabled Voter ID Cards Ahead of Upcoming Elections

Bihar State Election Commission has announced plans to issue new, technologically advanced voter ID cards to all eligible voters following a comprehensive Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. This initiative aims to enhance voter identification, ensure transparency, and strengthen the security of the election process ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

The new voter ID cards will incorporate advanced features, including updated photographs, biometric verification, and other modern identification technologies. Voters will retain their existing voter ID numbers to avoid confusion, while benefiting from improved security and authentication measures. Officials emphasize that these updates are part of a broader effort to modernize electoral infrastructure and streamline voter management.

The SIR process, recently completed, involved detailed verification and review of the entire voter database. During this period, the commission received more than 36,000 claims for inclusion and 2.17 lakh objections for removal of names from the voter list. Additionally, over 99% of registered voters submitted their updated photographs, ensuring that the new voter IDs reflect the most current data. The total number of voters in Bihar currently stands at 7.24 crore, highlighting the scale of this massive electoral exercise.

While the Election Commission has not yet announced the exact date for issuing the new voter ID cards, the process is expected to begin shortly after the SIR review is fully finalized. The final voter list is slated for publication on September 30, 2025, ahead of the anticipated assembly elections, which are expected to be held between late October and mid-November.

The Supreme Court has commented on the process, assuring that any claims or objections arising from the SIR will be considered, even if submitted after the official September 1 deadline. However, such submissions will only be incorporated into the final voter list after its publication, ensuring legal compliance and fairness in the electoral process.

This modernization drive is seen as a significant step toward strengthening democratic processes in Bihar. By leveraging technology to improve the accuracy and security of voter identification, the Election Commission aims to minimize electoral fraud, enhance transparency, and make the voting experience safer and more efficient for millions of citizens.

As Bihar prepares for its next assembly elections, the new tech-enabled voter ID cards are expected to play a key role in ensuring a smooth, transparent, and secure electoral process, reflecting the state’s commitment to adopting advanced technological solutions in governance.