LETTER: Electronic pollbooks to debut in Grafton’s Feb. 17 election

To Ozaukee Press:

Village of Grafton voters can expect to see changes at their polling location beginning with the spring primary on Tuesday, Feb. 17. The Village Board approved the use of electronic poll books, also known as Badger Books, for elections. 

As the village clerk and election administrator, I have been managing elections at the municipal level for 15 years, 10 of them with the Village of Grafton. In 2017, the Wisconsin Election Commission developed the Badger Book system to be used in Wisconsin as the only electronic pollbook authorized for use. 

As the system has been put into use in many municipalities throughout the state, I’ve been watching its progress and success carefully. A total of 425 Wisconsin’s municipalities, or 45%, have implemented Badger Books. I’m confident that the implementation of the Badger Book system at our polling location will be well received and provide a more efficient experience for the voters on election day. As always, my commitment to lawful election administration at the village remains the primary focus. 

The key information our voters should know about electronic pollbooks is that the Badger Book computer system is completely secure, self-contained and not connected to the internet at any time. All information used within the system is encrypted, secured and managed by the village clerk’s office and election inspectors only. 

Voters will continue to be issued paper ballots and insert their ballots into the tabulator as always. Voters will present their photo ID and election inspectors will use Badger Books to check them in and issue a voter number. 

Ward lines are no longer needed as any open station can check the voter in at their location. Voters will be required to sign the e-pollbook signature screen, just as they did on the paper pollbook. Election day registration is also managed by the election inspectors on the e-pollbooks. The system is designed to replace the paper pollbooks and is used for checking in voters and completing election day registration only.  

All election day information continues to remain in full custody of the Village Clerk and sworn staff.

More information on Badger Books is available by contacting the Wisconsin Election Commission at epollbook@wi.gov or elections.wi.gov., or the village clerk at kolsen@villageofgraftonwi.gov.  

Kaity Olsen

Village Clerk

Village of Grafton