Datacard(TM) Electronic Poll Book Solution Enhances Voter Registration Process for Mecklenburg County; Pilot Program Demonstrated Increased Accuracy and Speed of Voter Check-in Process During Recent General Election.

MINNETONKA, Minn. -- Datacard Group, the world leader in secure ID and card personalization solutions, today announced that the Datacard(TM) electronic poll book solution was four times faster than the manual voter check-in process in a test conducted by Mecklenburg County, NC, board of elections officials during the November 8, 2005, general election. County elections administrators also found that it took less than ten minutes to train poll workers to use the powerful stand-alone software application, which provided a complete computerized listing of the precinct's registered voters.

"County election officials began using the system in duplicate with their standard processes, but immediately realized that they were more efficient and accurate using the electronic poll book solution alone," said Tom Schlick, senior vice president of global service and solutions. "We figured that if the electronic poll book solution was fully implemented the county would need two fewer poll workers per site, significantly reducing the costs to hire, train, and manage volunteers."

"The program could not get any easier," said one poll worker. "A person with no computer skills could work this program."

The electronic poll book solution uses a simple point-and-click process to quickly look up voters in the database, verify their status and issue them a ballot number. It eliminates the costs associated with printing, processing and storing paper poll books and immediately provides accurate, immediate results.

"Imagine going to your poll location and being able to walk up to any check-in table--not having to wait in long lines while poll workers sift through the bulky, paper poll books to find your name," said Schlick. "The electronic poll book solution makes this level of speed and efficiency a reality."

Datacard Group offers the world's best-selling secure ID and card personalization solutions. The company's portfolio includes systems for high-volume card issuance, card delivery, secure ID issuance and passport production, plus extensive service and supply offerings. Datacard Group serves customers in more than 120 countries (www.datacard.com).