Newport This Week

Technical Glitches Delay Voting Start


The election process in Newport went smoothly thanks to the efficient collection of mail-in and early voting ballots that were counted before Nov. 3.

However, there were a couple of minor glitches on Election Day that caused slight delays and confusion for those voters who were first in line when polling locations opened at 7 a.m. At Newport Public Library, a technical issue of poor connectivity delayed voting until about 7:40 a.m. According to election officials, the poll pads voters sign to verify their identity before they vote were not synching up with the Wi-Fi.

“The Board of Elections directed the polling locations to begin voting, not to wait,” Newport Canvassing Clerk Tracy Nelson said. “The technician attributed it to the wind. It was a problem sporadically throughout the state from what I understand.”

The issue was resolved in around 30 minutes, officials said.

At Park Holm Center, which the Board of Elections opened up as a polling location after a controversial Canvassing Authority vote to close it, a lack of signage caused confusion among elderly voters who left and drove to nearby Pell Elementary School.

“There is a sandwich board sign at Park Holm, just as there is at each polling location. Apparently, it was … moved by one of the poll workers and was placed so that it wasn’t easily visible,” Nelson said. “I believe the confusion was more due to the lingering debate over whether or not Park Holm would be used as a polling location … than signage visibility.”

A third item of interest centered around a SUV that was parked at various polling locations, with a painted sign on the driver side door and rear of the vehicle that read, “Election Protection.” Given the volatility of the election nationwide, some people had questions about the service and its purpose. Similar vehicles were in evidence for the September primary. Voting Warden Eric Crosby said that they were a group that worked with Common Cause RI.

“As far as I know, they are an unaffiliated group that makes sure everything is accessible and running smoothly,” he said.

Nelson said, “They are mostly law students from Roger Williams University. They are there to answer voter questions.”

She added that uniformed Newport police officers were stationed at each polling location to provide security for the duration of voting.

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