Ohio's top elections official is setting uniform standards for the use of electronic poll books by local boards of elections.
The high-tech books allow poll workers to more easily find voters' information and cut down on check-in time. Rather than flipping through printed pages, elections officials can enter a voter's name or scan a driver's license. Secretary of State Jon Husted on Wednesday issued an advisory to all 88 counties that spells out system requirements and functions, as well as procedures for county boards to follow if they acquire e-poll book technology. Husted says with more counties choosing to use the technology, the state should have clear guidelines to maintain security and accuracy for voters. Twelve counties currently use e-poll books, including Montgomery, Stark and Athens.