Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for facilitating voting. A first computer system may select a voter data pack for a first voter. The first computer system may also store an indication of the voter data pack and encrypt the voter data pack. A second computer system may receive the encrypted voter data pack and consolidate the encrypted voter data pack with checkable data. The second computer system may also store an association between the encrypted voter data pack and the checkable data, and encrypt the consolidated encrypted voter data pack and checkable data to generate a consolidated voter authorization for the first voter.

Abstract: A secured electronic system and method for taking and counting votes. A database of unique ballot security codes, each ballot security code consisting of a ballot code representing the ballot selections of a voter and a security code derived from sensing with a biometric sensor a biometric presentation of a biometric feature of the voter. Each ballot security code is checked before entry into the database to verify that the security code component is not within a voter template of the security code component for any prior ballot security code, to prevent multiple votes being cast by any voter. Recounts are validated by verifying the uniqueness of the security code component of each ballot security code and verifying that each security code is not within a voter template of any other security code. Each ballot security code may also be checked against a registration data base thereby verifying that the voter is registered.

Abstract: A computer implemented method includes receiving, at a server of an internet protocol television (IPTV) network, a voting selection from a set-top box device. The voting selection is associated with video content that is received at the set-top box device via the IPTV network. The computer implemented method includes adding the voting selection to a tally of votes related to the video content when a voting status indicates that a previous vote has not been received from the set-top box device. The computer implemented method also includes changing the voting status to indicate that a vote has been received from the set-top box device after adding the voting selection to the tally of votes.

Abstract: A computer implemented method includes receiving, at a server of an internet protocol television (IPTV) network, a voting selection from a set-top box device. The voting selection is associated with video content that is received at the set-top box device via the IPTV network. The computer implemented method includes not adding the voting selection to a tally of votes associated with the video content when a voting status indicates that a previous vote was received from the set-top box device. The computer implemented method also includes sending a message to the set-top box device from the server, the message indicating that the previous vote associated with the video content was received from the set-top box device.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a ballot marking device adapted to mark a ballot and either return the marked ballot to the voter or automatically deposit the marked ballot into a secure ballot box attached to the marking device. The device includes a presentation device operable to present to the voter a plurality of election choices and ballot handling choices, and an input device operable to receive from the voter at least one selection corresponding to the election choices and at least one instruction corresponding to the ballot handling choices. The device also includes a marking mechanism operable to record the received voter selection on the ballot, a transport mechanism operable to transport the ballot through the device, and a diverter operable to direct the ballot from the transport mechanism into the attached ballot box. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An advanced voting system is provided that includes one or more computing devices. The computing devices receive input of authentication data and utilize the authentication data to determine whether a voting session by a voter is authorized and to unlock ballot information specific to the voter or a group of voters. Furthermore, same device used to unlock said ballot information. In addition, the receive accessibility input data on the same device used to unlock said ballot information. In addition, the computing devices present ballot questions to the voter if the voting session is authorized based on the received authentication data and receive interactive voter selections from the voter. Furthermore, the system includes a record generator that generates records containing the voter selections.

Abstract: A ballot or sheet having an anti-copying feature provides for detecting from an image of the ballot or sheet whether the ballot or sheet is an original or is a copy. The anti-copying feature may lighten or darken, or both, when copied and may or may not be evident to the human eye. A reader comprising an imager and a processor is for reading the ballot or sheet and for determining whether the ballot or sheet is an original or is a copy, and for determining selections marked thereon. A method for reading the ballot or sheet is for determining from an image of the ballot or sheet whether the ballot or sheet is an original or is a copy, and for determining selections marked thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for printing labels on-demand in a manufacturing environment. During initialization, an association is made between a part being manufactured and the work station in which the part is made. The association is stored in a computer application. When a user desires to print a label, the user simply presses a user input device which generates a print request. The print request is interrogated to determine which user input device originated the print request. An indicator may be presented to the operator indicating that a valid print request was received by the data storage device. The computer application searches for information related to the user input device that originated the print request. The data storage device transmits information from the computer application for printing to the associated printer.

Abstract: A method is described that involves creating a private key and a public key cryptographic key pair, generating a unique and random identifier for a voter's vote and accepting an election vote from said voter. The vote and identifier are electronically signed with the private key to create a digital signature. The vote and identifier are provided in a human readable format to the voter.

Abstract: A ballot marking system and apparatus for marking a paper ballot listing a plurality of candidates which includes a marking space for each candidate which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked by the marking apparatus. The marking apparatus includes a touchscreen device on which the voter can enter his selections. The touchscreen is pivotally mounted atop the ballot marking apparatus such that it fits within a recess in the apparatus housing when in its closed position, and is ergonomically presented to the voter when in its open position.

Abstract: A voting device and system for voting is described having a touch sensitive membrane input surface including at least one of an arc input and a slider input, at least one sensor for detecting movement and orientation of the voting device, and at least one transmitter. The voting device receives a voting response inputted by a user from at least one of the arc input, the slider input and the sensor, and then sends the user inputted response upon at least one of a pressure and a release of pressure on the touch sensitive membrane input surface.

Abstract: A secured electronic system and method for taking and counting votes. A database of unique ballot security codes, each ballot security code consisting of a ballot code representing the ballot selections of a voter and a security code derived from sensing with a biometric sensor a biometric presentation of a biometric feature of the voter. Each ballot security code is checked before entry into the database to verify that the security code component is not within a voter template of the security code component for any prior ballot security code, to prevent multiple votes being cast by any voter. Recounts are validated by verifying the uniqueness of the security code component of each ballot security code and verifying that each security code is not within a voter template of any other security code. Each ballot security code may also be checked against a registration data base thereby verifying that the voter is registered.

Abstract: A method for voting by peers via mobile devices operating in a network on behalf of their owners, comprising iteratively sending by a plurality of peers votes for candidates to a peer and determining by the peer, according to the votes, at least one winner candidate.

Abstract: A method for auditing ballots cast in an election, wherein each ballot is associated with a group. A subset of groups from which sample ballots will be chosen is identified. An identifier is printed on each ballot in the subset. Each ballot has a different identifier than every other ballot in its group. A check is performed to determine whether the identifiers were printed correctly on the ballots. If so, a machine re-count of ballots in each group in the subset is performed and the results are compared to the initial tally of ballots associated with the group. If there is a mismatch, a further investigation is triggered. If there is a match, manual verification is performed on sample ballots from each group. The audit may begin prior to completion of voting from all precincts by estimating the number of samples that will be necessary.

Abstract: This system includes modified ATM machine, resetting machine and voter's log. This system integrates the stages of voter's verification, casting, collecting votes, prevents voter's fraud, has safeguard in place to prevent multiple voting, creates hard copy for possible recount, and verifies that every vote counts and counts correctly without exposing the selection of candidate to any person other than the voter. This system tracks and verifies votes in four different ways. 1st by hard copy of the votes, 2nd by ATM machine 3rd by resetting card machine and 4th by voters log. This system also provides security and prevents voting fraud by taking picture of the voter while voting. It also places a flag on the record of voter after casting a vote which prevents duplicate voting. This system will also print a hard copy which will be kept as a backup for possible recount. The voter selects the language to be displayed for voting therefore will be less confusion while voting.

Abstract: In some embodiments, techniques for voting and visual cryptography may include various enhancements.

Abstract: An election system is disclosed that is immune to rigging, costs only 5 to 20 percent of that of prior art e-voting systems, and entirely eliminates wasted voter time spent standing in line. The method used in the new system is to print each separate office or proposition on a separate playing-card size card adapted to be inserted in a separate ballot box while by means of an odometer the official reception of the voter's vote is shown to the voter by the odometer display.

Abstract: An optically readable sheet has plural mark spaces and has at least two fiducial marks defining the orientation and scaling of the sheet. A method for reading an optically readable sheet may comprise imaging the sheet and decoding the fiducial marks from the image of the sheet for scaling the image of the sheet and decoding the mark spaces therein. Scaling the image may include comparing the locations of the decoded fiducial marks from the image of the sheet and the predetermined locations of the fiducial marks on the sheet.

Abstract: An advanced voting system is provided that includes one or more computing devices. The computing devices receive input of authentication data and utilize the authentication data to determine whether a voting session by a voter is authorized and to unlock ballot information specific to the voter or a group of voters. Furthermore, same device used to unlock said ballot information. In addition, the receive accessibility input data on the same device used to unlock said ballot information. In addition, the computing devices present ballot questions to the voter if the voting session is authorized based on the received authentication data and receive interactive voter selections from the voter. Furthermore, the system includes a record generator that generates records containing the voter selections.

Abstract: A method for reading a sheet or a paper ballot enclosed in a ballot envelope comprises decoding a machine readable envelope identifier from each ballot envelope, displaying at least the decoded envelope identifier and a signature from each ballot envelope for determining from the envelope identifier, the signature, or both, whether a valid sheet or ballot is presented. If the sheet or ballot is valid, then the sheet or ballot is removed from its envelope and the selections marked on the sheet or ballot may then be determined and processed.

Abstract: A method of enabling a voter to vote by mail by using a secret vote code (SVC) that includes translating the SVC into a one-time code (OTC) valid only for the election, storing the OTC, and mailing to the voter a ballot, a return envelope, and a mechanism for enabling the SVC to be translated into a translated format. Further, the method includes receiving the return envelope from the voter that includes a completed ballot, the voter's signature, and the translated format, determining whether the signature obtained from the envelope matches a stored signature for the voter, obtaining a second one-time code based on the translated format and determining whether the second one-time code matches the stored one-time code. The ballot is counted only if it is determined that: (i) the signatures match, and (ii) the second one-time code matches the stored one-time code.

Abstract: A system for separating write-in entries from the paper ballots electronically without resorting to manual or mechanical separation is configured to detect when a write-in selection is made in a designated write-in area of a paper ballot as a paper ballot is read through a digital scanner or other imaging device. An image of the write-in entry area (a sub-image of the total ballot) is then extracted and stored with appropriate data keys on a storage medium for later retrieval and processing by qualified personnel.

Abstract: An interactive voter choice system providing voters mechanisms they can use to play more pro-active roles in influencing elections and policy-making by elected representatives in representative bodies than the relatively passive roles ascribed to them in the typical rules and regulations governing these elections, namely mechanisms that enable them to specify in written policy agendas their preferred policy options chosen from a comprehensive database of policy options, transmit their agendas to provide information and instructions to candidates for office, elected representatives and others; request candidates and representatives to use the comprehensive database to specify their preferred policy options in written agendas; and use voters' own agendas to build consensus, coalitions and voting blocs that can run and elect their own candidates for office and induce elected representatives to enact their agendas.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling a voter to vote at any single official polling place in the state (jurisdiction) even if it lies outside the boundaries of his local voting location (division of the jurisdiction). The systems and methods disclosed also prevent voter fraud, including a single voter voting more than once, at any polling place anywhere in the jurisdiction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for electronic voting performed in response to insertion of an electronic ballot by a voter into an electronic voting machine. The method includes storing candidate information in a candidate database, issuing an electronic ballot by a ballot dispenser in response to a ballot issuance request of a voter, displaying by the electronic voting machine a list of candidates from the candidate database when the electronic ballot is inserted into the electronic voting machine, and printing by a printer vote data related to a selected candidate on the electronic ballot, followed by dispensing the printed electronic ballot when the voter selects the candidate whom the voter wishes to vote from among the list of candidates. The electronic ballot is printed with a barcode corresponding to vote information containing at least one of data for authentication, precinct ID and polling place ID.

Abstract: An optically readable markable sheet has selection mark spaces and has voiding mark spaces associated with the selection mark spaces. An apparatus and a method for reading the optically readable sheet may comprise a processor decoding a sheet identifier and the mark spaces from an image of the sheet and determining the mark spaces that are marked. Marking a voiding mark space voids a selection marked in the selection mark space with which the voiding mark space is associated. Sheet images and a record of marked mark spaces are stored in a memory, preferably a non-volatile memory. Sheet images may be provided by an optical imager that images the sheet and/or by an optical mark reader that reads the sheet.

Abstract: An advanced voting system is provided that includes one or more computing devices. The computing devices receive input of authentication data and utilize the authentication data to determine whether a voting session by a voter is authorized and to unlock ballot information specific to the voter or a group of voters. In addition, the computing devices present ballot questions to the voter if the voting session is authorized based on the received authentication data and receive interactive voter selections from the voter. Furthermore, the system includes a ballot generator that generates tangible ballots containing the voter selections.

Abstract: A system and method for authenticating votes received from a voter's mobile device comprising a computer programmed with a set of computer-readable instructions and a database accessed by mobile device reading a durable computer readable medium stored in a computer server, the database comprising a registered voter and a geographical location for the registered voter's postal mail delivery address, means to receive a vote in an election over a wireless carrier network, means to determine the geographical location of a device which transmitted the vote over the wireless network comprising cell tower triangulation, and means to reject the vote if the geographical location of the device which transmitted the vote is not within a predetermined distance from the geographical location for the registered voter stored in the database.

Abstract: Organized coercion or buying of votes can be detected based upon information associated with the return of vote by mail ballots, and more specifically an induction parameter related to the location where and time at which vote by mail ballots are inducted into a carrier system for return to the election officials. Upon receipt of the vote by mail ballots by election officials, at least one induction parameter is obtained from the envelope. The data that is collected can be analyzed to detect situations that indicate potential coercion or vote buying by comparing it with expected induction parameters. If a situation that indicates potential coercion or vote buying is detected, those voters whose ballots are involved can be contacted by the election officials, before the votes are tallied, to ensure that the specific voters have not been coerced or sold their vote.

Abstract: An election ballot printing system includes a printer and electronic imaging device operatively coupled to a computer. The electronic imaging device images a ballot outputted by the printer in response to an indication provided by the computer. The electronic imaging device flows information corresponding to the ballot to the computer.

Abstract: A ballot processing system for processing a plurality of ballots having one or more voting selections marked thereon. The system includes an input area configured to receive a stack of ballots to be processed, an output area configured to store the processed ballots, and a transport path operable to transport each of the ballots from the input area to the output area. In an exemplary embodiment, the transport path comprises a planar section positioned between a first curve section and a second curve section to form a generally S-shaped path. The length of the transport path allows each of the ballots to be processed prior to reaching the output area.

Abstract: A ballot processing system for processing paper ballots having one or more voting selections marked thereon. The system includes an input area configured to receive a stack of ballots to be processed, a processor operable to determine the voting selections marked on the ballots, and an output area configured to store the processed ballots. In an exemplary embodiment, a printing device is operable to print a unique identifier on each of the ballots during each pass through the system. A detector is operable to detect the printed identifier so as to verify that each of the ballots was processed during a previous count of the ballots and/or to prevent double-processing of the ballots. The system also includes a printer operable to print a report that identifies ballot information in relation to the unique identifier for at least a portion of the processed ballots.

Abstract: A portable adaptor for using a smart card of a first configuration with a smart card reader of a second configuration. For instance, the adaptor may enable use of a contactless smart card with a contact smart card reader, or vice versa. The adaptor is provided with a casing that is configured to engage a contact smart card or a contactless smart card, and where intended for use with a contact smart card reader is provided with an exterior portion that physically cooperates via a contact pad with a contact smart card reader. The adaptor is provided with an interface passing signals between a smart card of a first configuration and a smart card reader, of a second configuration. For instance, an interface for passing signals between a contact smart card and a contactless smart card reader or vice versa.

Abstract: A portable adapter for using a contact smart card with a contactless smart card reader and a contactless smart card with a contact smart card reader. The adaptor is provided with a casing that is configured to engage a contact smart card or a contactless smart card, and is provided with an exterior portion that physically cooperates via a contact pad with a contact smart card reader. The adapter is provided with an interface passing signals between a contactless smart card and a contact smart card reader, and an interface for passing signals between a contact smart card and a contactless smart card reader.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling a voter to vote at any single official polling place in the state (jurisdiction) even if it lies outside the boundaries of his local voting location (division of the jurisdiction). The systems and methods disclosed also prevent voter fraud, including a single voter voting more than once, at any polling place anywhere in the jurisdiction.

Abstract: An election system that is immune to rigging, costs only 5 to 20 percent of that of prior art e-voting systems, and entirely eliminates wasted voter time spent standing in line. The method used in the new system is to print each separate office or proposition on a separate playing-card size card adapted to be inserted in a separate ballot box while by means of an odometer the official reception of the voter's vote is shown to the voter by the odometer display.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing having a touch-sensitive display moveable relative to the housing and a locking plate that inhibits movement of the touch-sensitive display relative to the housing.

Abstract: A ballot reader images a ballot, checks the ballot, and displays the ballot image for voter review. The voter may cast the ballot causing it to be collected and the vote thereon recorded, or may have the ballot returned. Checking may include, e.g., checking for a complete ballot, undervotes and/or overvotes.

Abstract: A method and system for electronic voting over a network, from a terminal (Te) connected to an administrative server (SA) and to a vote-counting server (SCV). An authentication certificate (CA) and a single-use password (UPWe) are calculated and transmitted (A) from the server (SA) to the voter (Eu), an electronic ballot paper (EB) and an anonymous reference (AREu) are transmitted (B) from the terminal (Te) to the server (SCV) and, upon verification (B1) of the anonymous reference, the vote and the paper are validated (B3), the paper is counted, a confirmation of receipt (ACW) and an electoral register document (DVR) are transmitted from the server (SCV) to the terminal (Te). The terminal (Te) signs the register and transmits (C) the signed register (SDVR) to the server (SA) which closes (D1) the vote of the voter (Eu).

Abstract: A method for counting or recounting an optically readable sheet may comprise receiving an image the sheet and displaying the received image of the sheet for determining from the displayed image of the sheet the marking of mark spaces therein. Indications of information decoded therefrom may be superimposed and/or provided by highlighting. The counting and/or recounting need not require handling of the original sheets.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and implementing a sampling plan on populations of collectives involve implementing a 2-stage sampling process. Based on an analysis of at least one of historical data and user-defined data, the system generates a sampling plan by determining the number n of collectives to sample from a population of collectives and an optimal number m of members to sample from each collective of the n sampled collectives. The system then in two stages randomly samples n collectives and then randomly samples m members from each randomly sampled collectives.

Abstract: A ballot tabulation device and method for tabulating paper ballots that have been printed according to ballot style. In an exemplary embodiment, the ballot tabulation device includes an input device, such as a touch screen display, that enables a user to enter a precinct identification code for a paper ballot. The device also includes a scanner operable to scan the paper ballot, and a processing circuit operable to decode one or more voting selections marked on the paper ballot. The processing circuit is further operable to tabulate the decoded voting selections and include the tabulated voting selections within the vote tally associated with the precinct identification code. Other exemplary embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A voting method. A ballot paper is received. The received ballot paper includes a recorded vote. The recorded vote includes candidate/party information for an election held on a voting day in a jurisdiction. The ballot paper includes a burnable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag including an on-tag fuse that is not blown. The recorded vote is not revealable while the fuse is not blown and is revealable in response to the fuse being subsequently blown. After the ballot paper is received, the ballot paper is authenticated and the fuse is blown to reveal the recorded vote, followed by counting the ballot paper and directing the ballot paper to a candidate box.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method of voting via an interactive television system. In a particular embodiment, the method includes identifying data embedded within video content sent to a set-top box device via an access network of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system, the data indicating a voting event related to the video content. The method also includes sending data related to a voting indicator to the set-top box device, wherein the voting indicator includes a selectable indicator of an option to cast a vote related to the video content. The method also includes determining whether payment information is required in order to accept a vote related to the video content. The method also includes sending data related to a voting interface to the set-top box device and receiving a voting selection from the set-top box device.

Abstract: A vote-by-mail return envelope includes a pouch for receiving a ballot. The pouch is formed from a front sheet and a rear sheet. A signature space is provided to be signed by the voter. The envelope also includes an adhesion region at which the front sheet is adhered to the rear sheet to define a boundary of the pouch. The adhesion region separates the signature space from the pouch. Further, the envelope includes a flap to be attached to at least one of the rear sheet and the front sheet to cover the signature space. The signature space may be on the flap, the rear sheet or front sheet.

Abstract: Election system enabling coercion-free remote voting wherein a remote voter transmits his/her selected vote to the election authority through a data transmission network such as the Internet network by using a host computer having a card reader, the vote being transmitted after the voter has introduced an identifying smart card into the card reader. At least one secret code is recorded into the smart card at the location of the election authority at the moment when the latter delivers the smart card, the secret code having to be input by the voter into the host computer when the voter wants to vote during an election in order for the vote to be transmitted to the election authority and validated by the election authority.

Abstract: A ballot marking system and apparatus for marking a paper ballot listing a plurality of candidates which includes a marking space for each candidate which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked by the marking apparatus. The voting station includes a multiple key-switch navigation sub-panel by which the voter enters his or her selections in response to audio prompts. If a ballot is to be machine marked, the ballot is inserted into the marking device and candidate selections are presented to the voter through an audio voting sequence and/or on the touchscreen. Candidate selections entered on the sub-panel or touchscreen are marked on the ballot by a print mechanism which marks spaces corresponding to the selected candidates, and the ballot is returned to the voter in a form which enables the voter to visually confirm that his selections have been marked.

Abstract: An optically readable sheet has plural mark spaces and has at least two fiducial marks defining the orientation and scaling of the sheet. A method for reading an optically readable sheet may comprise imaging the sheet and decoding the fiducial marks from the image of the sheet for scaling the image of the sheet and decoding the mark spaces therein. Scaling the image may include comparing the locations of the decoded fiducial marks from the image of the sheet and the predetermined locations of the fiducial marks on the sheet.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting elections using a networked system of lottery terminal units involves outfitting terminal units with peripheral devices configured to receive voting input from a user. Ballot scanners and/or control panels receive voter identification and selection information, while cameras, biometric sensors, card readers or other devices obtain additional identification information for verification of voter identity. Voter selections are provided as output to a user via a printed receipt or screenshot for obtaining confirmation or optional designation of changed selections. Storage areas for physically storing voter ballots, incorrect receipts, etc. may be provided. Processing features associated with a terminal unit controller execute software instructions programming the controller to selectively store and/or electronically communicate data corresponding to voter information and selections to one or more central remote locations, such as designated based on voting jurisdictions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an auditable method and system for generating a verifiable vote record that is suitable for electronic voting. The inventive method is characterized in that a voting module, an audit module and a verification module perform the following steps in which: voting options are selected by the voter in the voting module; the voting options are sent from the voting module to the audit module; a vote record is generated in the verification module which contains the voting options selected by the voters in the voting module; the voter confirms that the vote record contains the voting options that s/he selected in the voting module by direct verification of the vote record; and audit information is generated in the audit module in order to secure the electronic vote and/or the associated vote record which are both generated from the voting options selected and confirmed by the voter.