E-poll books to be used for May’s Primary Election

The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections voted today to purchase 1,450 electronic poll books (e-poll books) from Tenex Software Solutions of Tampa, Florida.

“After 18 months of rigorous research, testing, and several pilot projects I am confident we have made the right decision for the system that is most appropriate for Cuyahoga County voters,” said Pat McDonald the Director of the Board of Elections.

E-poll books will eventually replace the alphabetical paper poll books that are printed for each election. Voters will be able to use their Ohio driver’s licenses or identification cards to check in at polling locations or to be directed to their correct polling place.

“Voters will receive faster service while lowering the chances of human error. The new e-poll books will make other election administration functions, including updating voter records, faster and more efficient,” said McDonald.

Most of the $1.7 million cost of the machines will be paid for by a $12 million state program that encouraged voting jurisdictions to upgrade to e-poll books.

The board plans to phase in fully functioning e-poll books starting with the Primary Election on May 2, 2017.

tenex

Author: Mike West, Media and Voter Education Specialist, Cuyahoga County Board of Elections