Waukesha To Test Electronic Voter Registration Tool

WAUKESHA, WI — For most Waukesha voters this April 2, it's going to be business as usual. Yet for those who make the trip to the Elk's Lodge, they'll have a new experience.

That's because the City of Waukesha is testing out e-poll books called Badger Books. At the Elk's Lodge, the Badger Books will replace paper poll books that people used to sign. City officials say the new devices will serve voters more efficiently.

Because of the Badger Books, voters at the Elks Lodge will be able to proceed directly to any registration line they want, instead of having to wait in a ward-specific line.

Once at the front of the line, voters will still need to state their name and address and present an acceptable Photo ID.

With the Badger Books, poll workers will use a keyboard to search for the voter. After the voter information has been located, the voter will sign a touch screen and be assigned a voter

number.

A ticket will print that can then be exchanged for a ballot.

The Badger Book software was created and is supported by the Wisconsin Elections Commission Information Technology staff.

City officials want to reassure voters that these books are not connected to the internet during voting hours, and that these books have "many layers of protection" to keep voter data safe and secure.

Questions about Badger Books can be directed to the Waukesha City Clerk’s office at (262) 524-3550 or clerktreas@waukesha-wi.gov