Starke Commissioners Discuss E-Poll Books, Accessible Absentee Voting

Posted on June 24, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

Starke County Clerk Vicki Cooley wants to modernize the election process and make absentee voting at the courthouse more accessible. She spoke to the commissioners Monday about the addition of e-poll books to replace the paper voter lists used at polling sites around the county.

Voter data is accessible on tablet computers which communicate with the county’s electronic voting machines. Cooley says they lessen the likelihood of error, as the sign-in process cannot be completed without all of the necessary information.

Cooley says the technology carries an estimated cost of $50,000.

She also asked the commissioners about the possibility having absentee voting in the first floor conference room at the courthouse. That space is shared by several offices and will need telephone jacks, a copier and a printer to accommodate the needs of the clerks’ office staff. The commissioners suggested she talk to county IT director Mark Gourley about those needs prior to the elections.

Cooley also brought up the need for a new copier for her office, as parts for the current one are becoming obsolete. It can be traded in toward a new machine with fax capabilities. It’s unclear at this time how much if any the electronic filing of some court documents will reduce copier use. The commissioners did not take any action on the request.

Starke County Election Board Considers E-Poll Books

Posted on June 10, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

Starke County voters may notice a new piece of technology the next time they head to the polls. County Clerk Vicki Cooley is recommending that the county purchase e-poll books. Under the new system, voters would sign their name on a digital tablet when they go to cast their ballot, rather than a traditional paper book.

Cooley says the technology would lead to better record-keeping. She discussed the potential purchase with the Starke County Election Board Wednesday.

At this point, Cooley says Starke County hasn’t gotten many quotes yet for e-poll books. Making sure the devices would be able to communicate with the county’s existing equipment is a big concern when choosing a vendor.

Marshall and Pulaski counties have both adopted e-poll books in the past couple years.