Bihar Assembly Election 2025 Voting Guide: How to Use EVM, VVPAT During Polls for First-Time Voters

The Bihar Assembly Election 2025 begins today in two crucial phases, with lakhs of voters flocking to polling stations across the state. Bihar citizens today will elect representatives to the 243-member legislative assembly. The the Election Commission of India (ECI) has ensured that the voting process remains transparent and easy to understand especially for first-time voters.

With more than 7.43 crore registered voters, including 14 lakh new voters, the state is gearing up for one of its major democratic exercises. Here's everything you need to know about the Bihar Election 2025, including who can vote, how to use an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), and what to expect at your polling station.

Bihar Election 2025: Polling Dates and Key Details

Bihar will vote in two phases this year. The first phase takes place on Thursday, November 6, covering 121 constituencies. The second phase will be held on November 11 for the remaining 122 seats, while vote counting is scheduled for November 14th.

The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is looking to retain power, while the Mahagathbandhan, which is RJD-Congress-Left alliance, is also aiming for a strong comeback. High-profile contests include:

Tejashwi Yadav from Raghopur (RJD)

Tej Pratap Yadav from Mahua

Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary from Tarapur

Singer Maithili Thakur from Alinagar

Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha from Lakhisarai

Anant Singh from Mokama

Osama Shahab from Raghunathpur

Who Can Vote in Bihar 2025?

Any Indian citizen residing in Bihar, aged 18 years or above on the election date, is eligible to vote provided their name appears on the electoral roll.

Documents required at the polling booth:

Voter ID card (EPIC) or any other accepted government-issued ID like Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Driving Licence.

Step-by-Step Guide to Voting in Bihar Assembly Election 2025

1. Reach your designated polling booth early to avoid long queues. Follow the instructions displayed outside and join the queue for your constituency.

2. The first polling officer checks your Voter ID and verifies your details against the electoral roll.

3. The second officer applies indelible ink on your finger and gives you a slip confirming you're eligible to vote.

4. The third polling officer takes your signature or thumb impression and strikes off your name from the voter list.

5. Hand over your slip to the officer stationed near the voting compartment. You will then be directed to the EVM machine.

6. Find your candidate's name and party symbol, then press the blue button next to it.

A beep sound and flashing light confirm your vote has been recorded.

7. Immediately after pressing the button, check the VVPAT screen for a printed slip displaying your chosen candidate's name and symbol. The slip remains visible for about 7 seconds before it drops automatically into the VVPAT box.

8. After verifying your vote, leave the polling station. Remember, mobile phones, cameras, and electronic devices are not allowed inside the voting area.

9. If you do not support any candidate, you can select the NOTA (None of the Above) option, located at the bottom of the EVM. The NOTA vote is counted but does not impact the election outcome unless all votes are NOTA, which would trigger a re-election in that constituency.