An electronic admission pass system for installation in a controlled environment in which a plurality of persons are permitted admission. The system includes at least one activator modules installed within the controlled environment, and a plurality of updateable electronic-ink labels issued to a plurality of individuals who may be admitted within the controlled environment. The activator module sends and transmits electromagnetic signals within the environment. Each electronic-ink pass employs an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. The electronic-ink pass includes an integrated circuit structure having a storage element for storing instructions, programs and data, and a programmed processor in communication with storage element. A signal transmitting structure transmits signals from the antenna structure to the activator module. A signal receiving structure receives electromagnetic signals from the activator module, using the antenna structure. An on-board battery power structure, operably connected to the integrated circuit structure, supplies electrical power to the integrated circuit structure. The electronic-ink pass displays graphical indicia, representing information related to the occurrence of events within the controlled environment, and which is updated by the remote activator module installed within the controlled environment.