To the Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported me for town clerk at our last local election. I will continue doing my best to serve the residents of Bedford.

I would also like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while Bedford conducted the Electronic Poll Book trial. I am happy to report that the trial was a huge success. Many voters commented on how quickly they were able to check in to vote and the ballot clerks appreciated how easy it was to use the new technology.

When the polls closed at 7 p.m., the election officials knew in a matter of minutes how many voters checked in that day. Normally, it would have taken days to count the “check in” books in order to get an accurate count. Also, throughout the day, the election officials were able to monitor who voted and at what time the voter checked in.

A special thank you to LHS, Inc. and KnowInk, Inc. for supplying the poll pads, training and oversight throughout the day. I am hopeful that SB 113 “Electronic Poll Book Trial” will pass legislation and this technology will be available to all the towns and cities in New Hampshire.

Also, the 2016 Annual Town Report is now available to view online at www.bedfordnh.org – under the Department tab click on Town Clerk. Take a few minutes to read it – our Department Heads and Chairs of various boards and commissions did a great job highlighting their accomplishments. If you are unable to download the report from the Internet, there are several copies available to view at the public library and at the town office building.

Lori Radke

Bedford