Abstract: Methods and apparatus are shown that provide an improved system for recording intended votes in elections. The system includes the voter verifying the interpretation of a voter's ballot by a ballot counting device, an electronic recording of the voter's intended votes on the ballot for possible recounting, and providing a printed receipt of the votes case by the voter. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, voters record their vote by making marks on paper ballots, which are interpreted by reading device. Alternative implementations are provided using mechanical voting, optical reading, or electronic voting devices including interactive systems such as would be used on the Internet. A recording and receipt device presents the interpreted vote for verification by the voter before recording the choices. This creates a less ambiguous record of the choices. The recording and receipt then present the voter with a receipt showing the votes recorded.