Erie County voters can test new technology

PERKINS TWP. — There's not an election next week.But registered voters in Erie County can test out new voting-related equipment during a demonstration period scheduled for June 28.Starting with the August election, elections board workers plan to incorporate iPads and related technology into their overall voting process.By November, when every registered county voter can participate in a political contest, officials will install 72 portable devices, or one at each precinct, at all polling locations.Among the two major changes:• Checking in: Rather than using clunky, heavy, outdated paper books, poll workers can look up a person's identity on an iPad by either typing in a name or swiping a person's driver's license in the machine.• Signing in: Instead of signing a name with a pen in a book, each voter will personally provide a digital autograph on an iPad, confirming that person's attendance.During next week's demonstration, people can get a feel for how these devices work."It's going to be quicker for the voters and easier for the poll workers," said Jen Ferback, the Erie County Board of Elections director.The change aims to making voting a more pleasant experience."Hopefully, we can avoid long lines at polling locations, which may discourage people from voting," county elections board member DJ Swearingen said.For the actual voting, people will still use a pencil to shade in the choice corresponding to who or what they're supporting. People, however, must bring a form of identification, such as a driver's license or utility bill, to properly submit a ballot.Want to go?What: An opportunity to test new election-related equipment incorporated into all Erie County elections.Where: Erie County Services Center, first floor, 2900 Columbus Ave., SanduskyWhen: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 28Making sense of the dollars and centsThe cost to incorporate iPads at polling locations across Erie County totaled $103,000, broken down by:• $15,000: money coming from county funds• $88,000: money coming from a reimbursement through the stateSource: Erie County Board of ElectionsReach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Before they actually cast a ballot in Erie County, voters will now check in and verify their identity through iPads. A public demonstration on the devices is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m Wednesday at the Erie County Services Center, 2900 Columbus Ave., Sandusky.