Abstract: A read head for optically scanning a ballot on which votes are cast by marking the ballot with a writing instrument within a voting area defined between a pair of spaced-apart timing marks includes infrared emitters illuminating the timing marks and emitters of visible light illuminating the voting area between the marks. The illuminated portions of the ballot are imaged onto three PIN photodiodes place in a line. The outer two PIN photodiodes are effectively apertured to resolve the timing marks and the middle PIN photodiode is effectively apertured to resolve a voting mark of a predetermined minimum size. The ballot, the image and the apertures are carefully aligned such that the photodiodes detect changes in light level associated with an image of a mark passing across the apertures.

Abstract: A ballot for use with a scanning device which reads the ballot and feeds it to a tallying or accumulating machine, the ballot being in the form of a base sheet possessing sufficient substance to facilitate the feeding of the ballot into the scanning device. The base sheet contains one or more columns of offices and the names of candidates who vie for the particular offices. Each margin of the ballot contains one or more index marks for correctly identifying the ballot orientation in the scanning device. One margin of the ballot also contains printed code marks by which the ballot style or configuration may be identified. Adjacent to each column of offices/candidates, are printed two columns of horizontally spaced timing marks, the timing marks being arranged on the lines bearing the candidate's names. A particular candidate is selected by introducing a mark between the horizontally spaced timing marks adjoining the particularly selected candidate.

Abstract: A ballot consisting of two or more ballot cards is held together by means of perforated creases. The resulting ballot is printed in columns and rows entirely on one side representing a similar ballot format as presented to the voter on the face of the mechanical or fully electronic machine used in that election jurisdiction. Positions for write-in candidates would normally appear on the back of the ballot. After the ballot cards are punched or marked by the voter, they ar detached from each other. The ballot cards are then machine read and tallied. One end of the ballot cards may be provided with a receipt stub attached thereto by a perforated crease. The receipt stub may be given to the voter for record purposes. Unique pre-punched holes or marks on each card of the total ballot identify to the card reading equipment which part of the total ballot is being processed.