A big change is in store for many Rhode Island voters Wednesday as they check in at polling locations. The board of elections gave ABC6 News a demo of the new electronic poll books which will be rolled out. Basically, instead of those old binders with your name and address you’ll just have to present your photo identification. The information is then scanned into an iPad where they verify you’re the right person and in the right place. If you’re not in the right place, the device can text you the address of where you’re supposed to be. Officials say this new technology has been shown to cut down on wait times and increase data accuracy. “You’re information is going to be brought up extremely quickly so that poll workers don’t have to flip through hundreds of pages to try and find your name. It’s going to show up within seconds,” said Rob Rock, Director of Elections with the Secretary of State’s Office.
Some communities in the state did previously work with the electronic poll books which were part of a pilot program. This will be the first time the iPads are used at all 416 locations.
In the past, cities and towns had to manually hand scan in all of the paper ballot applications to give voters credit. Officials say this will also save time on the back end.
Full Article: Electronic poll books rolling out in RI – ABC6 – Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, Weather.