Mexico's INE and Spain Expand Digital Identity for Voting

Mexico's National Electoral Institute (INE) reports that 94 % of the electoral roll now includes biometric data—photographs and fingerprints—used to verify voter identity and prevent duplicate registrations. The institute is testing internet‑based voting, recently allowing a pilot group in Coahuila to authenticate via facial recognition on a mobile phone. Officials say the biometric database is securely protected and not shared with other entities.

In Spain, a study by Camerfirma shows that eight out of ten people aged 16‑74 interact online with public administrations using electronic signatures. More than 20 million active certificates grant access to over 18 000 government e‑offices, positioning Spain as a European leader in digital public services. The growth of digital identity tools is seen as a key pillar of the country’s digital transformation.

Both initiatives reflect a broader push in their respective countries to integrate biometric and electronic authentication into civic processes, aiming to streamline services and enhance security.