Local clerks complete E-Pollbook training Officials trained on new software in time for August election

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land recently applauded area election officials who successfully completed E-Pollbook training during recent sessions in Northville, Ann Arbor and Pontiac. "I'm pleased clerks are turning out for extensive training on the new program," said Land. "With E-Pollbook, voters will receive their ballots more quickly and election workers will find it easier to close the polls at the end of the night. I applaud election officials for embracing the new technology and helping make the voting process smoother and more streamlined." The E-Pollbook is custom software developed by the Bureau of Elections. It runs on a laptop computer and eliminates many of the time-consuming processes that result in long lines at the polls. It works like a paper pollbook, which has been used in Michigan precincts for decades. Under E-Pollbook, voters have their driver's license or state identification card swiped electronically. The precinct worker is quickly able to verify eligibility to vote, assign a ballot, update voting history and create all the documentation required when the precinct closes. If the voter is in the wrong precinct, the E-Pollbook can identify the location of the voter's correct precinct. However, the system does not capture or retain any information from the driver's license or identification card. In instances where voters do not have a driver's license or state identification card, precinct workers will enter their names manually into the program. The E-Pollbook program is growing. In 2009, 40 jurisdictions tested the product, and earlier this year, all municipalities were given the opportunity to participate. Now, more than 450 cities and townships will use an electronic pollbook in the August and November 2010 elections. Municipalities participating in the program did not need to purchase equipment. Using federal funds provided through the Help America Vote Act, the Department of State purchased 1,854 laptops for their use. Additional election information can be found at www.Michigan.gov/sos. Published: Wed, Jun 30, 2010

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