What is a Badger Book?
It is an electronic poll book used to check in voters, print tally slips, enter registrations, and record absentee voters.
In 2017, Wisconsin Elections Commission staff developed an electronic poll book system to be used in polling places in Wisconsin on Election Day. The "Badger Book" is electronic poll book software that is specific to Wisconsin elections practices and statutes. It is the only electronic poll book software created to integrate with the statewide voter registration system. Badger Books do not use an internet connection.
On Election Day
- Voter states their name and address
- Poll worker looks up the information in the Badger Book
- Voter shows proper photo identification
- Badger Books screen provides all valid types of ID selections that can be used, including specific expiration dates
- Poll worker turns the Badger Books screen around and the voter signs with finger or stylus
- Machine automatically prints a voter number slip that the voter uses to get their ballot
Registration on Election Day
Badger Books prompts the poll worker to input the type of ID and select what type of Proof of Residence (POR) the voter provided
Election day registration information is encrypted.
Important things to know
Badger Books include the entire statewide database so that a poll worker can look up any registered voter in the State of Wisconsin. Poll workers can confirm the voter is at the right polling location or re-direct as needed, and can see what forms of ID are accepted, etc.
The actual process of voting does not change at all. Voters will still vote on paper ballots. If you have any questions regarding Badger Book electronic poll books, please contact the Town Clerk.
BADGER BOOK RECAP
WHAT THEY ARE
They are poll books. They check in voters and produce a voter number on a slip of paper for each voter.
They are also used to register voters, and to process absentee ballots.
When voters check in, they will give their names and addresses to the election inspectors, just as they have in the past. The only difference will be that the inspectors will be looking up voter names electronically, rather than in paper poll books. Voters’ signatures are still required, but voters will sign their names on an electronic screen using their fingers or a stylus, rather than in the paper poll book.
WHAT THEY ARE NOT
They are not voting machines – you can’t cast votes on them. Voting will continue to be done on paper ballots.
They are not vote tabulators; they don’t count votes. The vote tabulation process will not change.
They are not connected to the internet or any other outside source. They are connected to a server through a router within each polling place that allows the books to talk to each other. They communicate only with each other.
