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Alexa-app allows instant access to N.H. elections, will be ready for Feb. primary

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This application is designed specifically for New Hampshire and aims to provide voters, potential voters, members of the press, and anyone interested with easy access to information about New Hampshire elections and procedures. (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD - The New Hampshire Secretary of State's Office on Thursday announced it has partnered with Amazon Web Services on a first-of-its-kind application of voice-first technology.

The new innovation comes in the form of Amazon Alexa skill application that makes it easy for any user with an Alexa-enabled device, including any smartphone with the Alexa app, to access New Hampshire elections information.

This application is designed specifically for New Hampshire and aims to provide voters, potential voters, members of the press, and anyone interested with easy access to information about New Hampshire elections and procedures.

While myriad information will be available through this application, the general subject area is now focused on New Hampshire elections. Moving forward, there will be various additional uses for this technology within other divisions of the New Hampshire Department of State, including the Corporation Division, Vital Records, and State Archives. This groundbreaking project is revolutionizing the delivery of information in the First-in-the-Nation Primary State, just in time for the 2020 federal and state elections, including the Presidential Primary on Feb. 11.

To use the State of New Hampshire Elections application, a user must tell any Alexa device or smartphone: "Alexa, enable State of New Hampshire Elections." Then users can simply ask any Alexa-enabled device a question about New Hampshire elections. For example:

"Alexa, ask State of New Hampshire Elections...to take me on a tour."

"Alexa, ask State of New Hampshire Elections...how can I register to vote?"

"Alexa, ask State of New Hampshire Elections...where is my polling place?"

By expanding easy public access to governmental information through readily accessible popular technology, the New Hampshire Secretary of State's Office is not only raising awareness and engagement in New Hampshire elections, but is leading the country in terms of technology that advances civic engagement, particularly with the next generation of voters and voters with disabilities. This critical information will now be seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of Granite Staters of all ages and will enhance their civic engagement.

The portal also includes a robust notification system where users can choose to provide limited contact information and methods by which the New Hampshire Secretary of State's Office can send additional information and updates, including filing deadlines and reminders about absentee ballots.

The New Hampshire Secretary of State's Office worked with Voice XP, Democracy Live and PCC on the Alexa project.

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