Voters experience a few hiccups at the polls

November 6, 2018 11:48 am

By: Melissa Randall

Email: mrandall@abc6.com

Twitter: @MRandallABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE-TV) When the polls opened bright and early this morning, Rhode Island voters were already in line waiting to make their voices heard. As of 11 am, the state Board of Elections said that 135,393 people have already cast their ballots.

The day got off to a good start, with everything running smoothly for the most part. Several polls did open a bit late. Officials say that was due to poll workers not reporting for duty or issues entering a complex password to start the voting machine. In those cases alternate poll workers were immediately assigned and technicians resolved the password issues quickly.

There was also an incident on Prudence island where a machine experience a technical difficulty. A replacement unit made its way there via ferry and was installed a short time later. The ballots were secured and voting continued uninterrupted.

Around 10:30 am a ballot jam occurred at a polling place. The Board of Elections tweeted out a picture, showing that support staff were able to help resolve the issue via video chat. The Technician cleared the jam and voting was able to continue.