The Pulaski County Election Board will be looking into the feasibility of purchasing e-poll books after meeting with the Pulaski County Commissioners Monday night.
Board member Jon Frain explained that the implementation of e-poll books is the next step in upgrading the election equipment. The county would purchase iPads with election software. Voting officials would be able to scan a voter’s Driver’s License into the computer, and that would create a digital signature page to move the process at a quicker pace.
There was some confusion experienced last year with voters not knowing where to vote or in what precinct they would vote. Frain said the e-poll books would solve that issue.
“With an e-poll book, we would scan their ID when they come to the table. It would print us off a receipt that they would take to the judge, and the judge would then know what ballot to bring up on the machine. It would just expedite the process,” said Frain.
Frain and fellow board member Laura Bailey requested permission from the commissioners to look into the project. They will research the cost of the iPads, software and other start-up costs.
The commissioners unanimously approved the request. Frain said the board members will return with information at a future meeting. They will also meet with the council to discuss funding options.
