SIDNEY — Plans are being developed for training sessions on the new E-Pollbooks so poll workers will be ready for the Nov. 7 General Election.

Shelby County Board of Elections Director Dawn Billing discussed how the E-Pollbooks and the final update of voting data will be distributed to each precinct in Shelby County.

“There are two different suggestions,” said Billing. “I’d like some input from the presiding judges before the decision on distributing the E-Pollbooks is make.”

On Nov. 6, she said, the final voting data of who cast their absentee votes will be downloaded.

“We can send the E-Pollbooks out after that,” said Billing. “Or when the presiding judges have their training Saturday, we can send the E-Pollbooks with them. Then we can load the data onto a USB stick and then the judges can download the data Tuesday morning.”

Billing said since the county is using a new voting system, she anticipates needing more rovers to help on election day.

“I think it’s best to know the equipment is up to date when it leaves here,” said board member Merrill Asher.

“The law allows people to vote through Monday (Nov. 6) at 2 p..m.,” said Chair Chris Gibbs. “All of the election officials would like to have the voting stop on Saturday.”

The matter will be discussed further at the board’s Sept. 18 meeting.

Billing said she will be setting up times for training on the E-Pollbooks for all board members, presiding judges and poll workers.

“The training should start after Labor Day,” said Billing. “I’m pushing for all the construction here to be done by Labor Day.”

She said the staff and board members will be trained first. Then the rest of the judges and poll workers will be filtered in.

“An open house is possible so people can come in and see the new equipment,” said Billing.

“The open house will be held so people can act like they’re voting,” said Gibbs. “We’re going to slowly walk into this. There will be a gap between the public viewing and election day so we can make adjustments.”

The board approved bills for audit: A. Ritkin, chamber locks, $40.21; U.S. Bank, copier lease, $129.10; Quill, $76.32; and UPS Store, return of statewide petitions, $13.62.

The board’s next meeting will be Monday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m.