A first display includes a layer of electro-optic material with first and second electrodes on opposed sides thereof. One or both electrodes have at least two spaced contacts. Voltage control means are arranged to vary the potential difference between the two spaced contacts attached to the same electrode. A second display includes a layer of electro-optic material with a sequence of at least three electrodes adjacent thereto. Voltage control means vary the potential difference between the first and last electrodes of the sequence. The electrodes of the sequence alternate between two surfaces of the layer of electro-optic material, and have edges that overlap or lie adjacent the preceding and following electrodes of the sequence. The electrodes, other than the first and last, are electrically isolated such that the potential thereof is controlled by passage of current through the layer of electro-optic material. Methods for driving these displays are also provided.