PIERRE, S.D. (AP) – State election officials are pushing to change how electronic poll books are used after technical glitches created long waits and delays during the South Dakota primary elections earlier this month.
Secretary of State Shantel Krebs is proposing that polling places keep paper backups for electronic voter registration books to avoid future issues. The Argus Leader reports that the Board of Elections approved her proposal by a 6-1 vote on Monday.
The computer hitches bogged down electronic poll books in several counties, forcing election workers to scramble to find alternative paper books. It also saw some polls stay open for nearly two hours after normal closing times, dragging out final results and holding up voters.
The South Dakota Legislature reconvenes in January and may take action on the proposal.
