Electronic Poll Pads Approved for Voter Check-in

Hopkinton Town Moderator Sara Persechino and Town Clerk/Tax Collector Christine Johnson are pleased to announce that the Town of Hopkinton will implement the use of electronic poll pads for voter check-in, starting with the town/school election on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. These secure and time-saving devices will enable poll workers to efficiently and swiftly check in voters who wish to cast their ballots.

Traditionally, Hopkinton has relied on paper checklists containing a list of eligible voters. However, New Hampshire law (RSA 652:27) now authorizes the use of electronic poll books, commonly known as "poll pads," for the same purpose. The electronic poll book serves as a digital checklist of eligible voters in Hopkinton. It operates as a secure system and is not connected to the internet. Nonpublic data related to individual voters is inaccessible to the poll worker conducting the check-in, and adequate backup systems will be in place.

Although a paper list will still be maintained, the electronic check-in process will expedite the overall voting process. Upon arrival at the high school on March 12, voters will provide their names and photo IDs as usual. The poll worker will then promptly confirm the name and identity on the poll pad, eliminating the need for a paper voter list. Voters will receive printed confirmation of their authorization to vote, which they will present to the poll worker distributing ballots. Subsequently, voters will mark their ballots as instructed, following the same procedure as before. 

For more information about electronic poll books, please visit the NH Secretary of State website   

If you have further questions regarding the use of electronic poll books, please contact the Hopkinton Town Clerk’s Office at 603-746-3180.