On a related point, Dent said this year that
her staff will be implementing the use of
electronic poll books, which should provide
for simpler voter check-ins at the polls. The
system utilizes mini iPads to scan drivers'
licenses, she added.
Her staff conducted a test run during the
March election in the Town of Longboat Key,
she noted. "The poll workers loved it."
Dent also reminded the commissioners that
county staff still needs to resolve the matter
of finding additional space for the storage of
its voting equipment.
The board heard a brief update on that in
May, with county Facilities Services Director
Ed Gable saying staff was continuing to
explore options.
Dent told the commissioners on June 25 that
she just hopes whenever staff brings a rec-
ommendation to them about the space, "You
will take it into serious consideration" for the
safety and security of the equipment.
The equipment is stored at the county's BOB
Building in an industrial park north of Fruitville
Road and east of downtown Sarasota.
"We hear you," Chairman Charles Hines told
Dent. "It's on our list."
Dent's total preliminary budget request for
the 2015 fiscal year is $3,926,361, up slightly
this fiscal year's total of $3,829,297. Dent
explained, as she has in the past, that her
budget is always higher in election years. In
November, she noted, voters will go to the
polls to cast their ballots for governor as well
as for local candidates. %
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Sarasota News Leader July 4, 2014 Page 80
