Queue Management for Polling Places
SmartFlow Virtual Queuing: Eliminate long lines. Keep people safe.
SmartFlow is a Virtual Queuing System.
It lets voters secure and keep their place in line using their mobile phone once they've arrived on site. Once in the queue, voters can be encouraged to wait where it’s safe and comfortable. There’s no need to stand in line. The result is a safer, more satisfying voting experience.
The process is 100% contactless and frictionless. There is no need to download a new app or complete a registration process, no printed tickets to handle, and no need to keep a staff member at the door.
The QR code can be printed on signage, or displayed on digital signage installed at the polling place.
Visitors who don’t have a smartphone can text a code to a special phone number and enter the queue that way. Either way, they’re automatically entered into the queue.
The Result:
People feel safer... because they are safer.
What about people without cell phones?
82% of Americans have a smartphone, and a full 96% have a cellular phone of some kind that’s compatible with the SmartFlow system. The majority of those without a phone are children.
But in rare cases where a voter does arrive without a phone, a poll worker can manually enter them into the queue and give them a paper reminder if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do voters need to have a smartphone to get a number?
Nope, they can also use a basic mobile phone as long as it has the ability to send and receive text messages.
Where do voters wait while they're in the queue?
It's up to you. Depending on the layout of your venue, you can recommend that they wait in their cars, in a designated area outside, in a designated area inside, or anywhere within a short walk.
Can voters join the queue before they arrive on site?
Yes, but it may not be desirable. However, if you do want to provide this option, simply add the QR barcode or texting instructions to your website, email newsletter, and other communications channels.
How do poll workers manage the queue?
Using the poll worker interface on a touchscreen tablet, your poll workers can advance or rewind the queue, send an announcement to all voters who are waiting, and more.
Do I need to have a poll worker stand at the entrance to let people in?
No, the system is designed to remove the need to station an employee at the entrance, instead relying upon the outdoor-facing digital sign to provide instructions to voters. However, you may still choose to post a volunteer at the entry door during periods of peak demand.
What kind of Internet connection do I need?
The SmartFlow system works with virtually any WiFi or Ethernet connection, and the poll worker app can run on the same tablets poll workers in many areas already use to complete typical voter registration tasks. While the system doesn't require very much bandwidth, it does work best with a stable Internet connection.
Is there on-site hardware that has to be installed?
We offer a number of packages depending on your specific needs, including packages featuring daylight-readable digital signage screens to display the QR code and texting instructions, approximate wait times, and more. Our most basic package does not have any on-site hardware, and requires you to print out your QR code and texting instructions on static signs or posters ahead of time.
Who installs the equipment?
If you choose a SmartFlow package that includes digital signage displays, they will ship pre-configured and ready for use, so your IT department or any IT or AV installation company can install them at your venue. We're also happy to help you locate an installer in your area.
What kind of training and support do I receive?
We provide online training, as well as technical support via phone, email, and live chat. Our training and support team is based in the US.
Does the system capture voter information?
By default, no. We capture a smartphone IP address or telephone number for use while the voter is in the queue, and immediately discard it when they're done. If your jurisdiction has implemented a contract tracing program and needs to retain this data, please contact us.
Can SmartFlow really reduce the spread of germs?
While nothing can completely stop the spread of germs in a public place, SmartFlow is a completely contact-free queuing system. Voters only touch their own mobile devices. Poll workers only touch their own tablet screen (with or without a stylus). By removing the need for people to form a physical line in order to save their place in the queue, and by replacing old-fashioned paper tickets and printouts with text messages and mobile webpages, SmartFlow can help lower the chances that germs will spread from person to person while they're waiting to enter your polling places.
Who makes FireCast SmartFlow?
FireCast SmartFlow is developed and supported by WireSpring Technologies, Inc. WireSpring has been a leader and innovator in providing digital signage and interactive touchscreen systems to retailers, restaurants, hospitals, and more for the past 20 years. We developed SmartFlow to help local governments and companies manage social distancing and improve customer service in a post COVID-19 world.
Packages and Pricing
SmartFlow is offered in standard configurations for polling locations. SmartFlow Voting Pro features a daybright digital signage display to show waiting times and instructions, while SmartFlow Voting Express does not require any hardware to be installed on-site. If you have specific requirements that aren't met by either of these options -- for example, if your sites need dedicated poll worker terminals or have to manage multiple queues at once, -- please contact us and we'll prepare a customized package for you!
SmartFlow Voting Express
- 1 queue
- 2,000 queuers included
-
- Dedicated SMS number
- Web-based management
- Web-based poll worker webapp
- Broadcast messages to all queuers
- Email and live chat support
- Online video training
$295/month
per location
Account setup fee: $195
Additional queuers after first 2,000: $0.05/each
SmartFlow Voting Pro
- 1 queue
- 5,000 queuers included
- 1 high brightness digital sign
(with stand and media player) - 3-year hardware warranty
- Dedicated SMS number
- Web-based management
- Web-based poll worker webapp
- Broadcast messages to all queuers
- Email and live chat support
- Phone support
- Online video training
$495/month
per location
Hardware and account setup fee: $3,975
Additional queuers after first 5,000: $0.05/each
Last updated: June 24, 2020