City approves electronic poll books for election day, raises provisional-ballot questions

The Springfield City Council on June 15 approved an order authorizing the use of electronic poll books on election day, expanding technology already used for early voting.

Election Commissioner Glattis Oola Lopez told the council the devices (laptop-style poll books with printers already procured by the city) contain the citywide voter list, reduce check-in time, and—critically—require a printed paper backup at every polling place. The commissioner said electronic poll books produce a printed receipt listing the voter’s name and polling place, and help redirect voters whose registration is recorded at a different polling site.

Councilors asked how the city would handle voters who appear at the wrong polling place or whose name does not appear on a given precinct list. Commissioner Lopez said state law requires voters to cast ballots at the polling place where they are registered; however, poll workers may offer provisionally marked ballots to voters who appear in the wrong place and the city will research provisional ballots after election night to determine whether they should be counted.

Several councilors urged more training for poll workers to ensure provisional-ballot options are consistently offered when appropriate. Councelor Click Bruce described past situations where voters were redirected and could not easily get to their assigned polling place, and urged procedures that minimize disenfranchisement.

The council approved the order by roll call. The clerk recorded the motion as passed; implementation includes continued training of poll workers over the summer and printed paper backup lists at every precinct to mitigate technology risk.

The council’s action authorizes the devices for election day check-in only; other election rules and provisional-ballot processing remain governed by state law and by the city clerk’s office procedures.