Abstract: A computerized voting information system that encompasses one or more voting stations, at least one tabulation center and certification center, and a plurality of voters so as to automatically verify, manipulate, interchange, and manage all data and information that is needed by the voting stations to determine if a particular voting card is authentic and a voter is entitled to cast his/her vote, by tabulation centers to perform the tabulation of the casted votes, by certification centers to guarantee the authenticity of the voting cards and the legitimacy of the card holders, and by voters to prove their identity and voting eligibilities.

Abstract: An electronic voting system is disclosed that provides voters who may be blind, illiterate, or conversant in a foreign language, with a means to enter selection information without having to rely on visually perceptible information. In accordance with exemplary embodiments, candidate and/or referendum information is supplied audibly such that the voter can respond to selection options by speech input, actuating a button on a hand-held device, or other mechanism that permits the voter to indicate his or her selection preferences without having to visually interact with the system. The system provides an audio confirmation of the voter's selection. Such a system allows the aforementioned individuals to vote in confidence without assistance.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, programmable electronic voting machine includes a motor-driven scroll mechanism carrying a plurality of printed ballot sheets, the scroll mechanism presenting to a voter, in a controlled manner, only a preselected portion of the ballot sheets at any one time. Each selected portion of the ballot sheets is viewed by a voter through a window panel along opposite vertical edges of which extend single columns of push-button switches positioned next to voter selections on the portion of the ballot sheets then being viewed. A voter depresses appropriate push-button switches to make vote selections. The voting selection process is repeated as the voter, by actuating the scroll mechanism, selects other portions of the ballot sheets. A voter then casts his vote using a separate vote casting switch.

Abstract: A data registering apparatus includes a housing, a base member mounted to the housing and a resilient mat member mounted to the base member and having openings superimposed on the openings defined by the base member. The registering apparatus includes also a lower anvil having openings mounted to the base member, an intermediate template member having openings spaced apart from and fixedly mounted to the base member, and an upper mask member having openings and movable from a first, at rest position wherein the upper mask means blocks the openings in the intermediate template member and the anvil to a second position wherein the openings in the upper mask member are in alignment with the openings in the intermediate template member and the anvil, when an unscored data processable card is inserted into the apparatus.

Abstract: A stylus for entering perforations in a prescored card for the recording of data thereon is disclosed. The perforating end of the stylus includes a conically-shaped center portion positioned within and projecting from a concave-shaped end surface having a sharp edge around the periphery thereof. The scored portion of a card is initially engaged by the sharp cone-shaped tip of the stylus and partially displaced thereby. Continued displacement of the stylus causes the sharp peripheral edge thereof to engage and sever a portion of the card defined by the stylus tip cross section. The sequential and complementary action of the pointed center tip and the sharp-edged periphery of the stylus in engaging the prescored portion of a data card causes the thus engaged portion to be completely severed and displaced from the card in eliminating the need to subsequently wipe the card to remove partially severed chips, or punched portions, therefrom.

Abstract: A portable self-contained voting booth has improved features of compactness, lightness of weight, leg-holding stability, durability and convenience in use. Its carrying case includes interior corner members that both provide leg sockets for receiving legs from below and also serve to receive and hold down a vote recorder or board/carrier to which a vote record system may be secured. The unit is very quickly set up and produces a sturdy free-standing voting booth. The booth may also be used for paper ballot voting by simply removing the vote recorder or other voting system carrier from the booth.

Abstract: A voting machine employs a scroll-type multi-layer ballot structure including removable strips carried by the upper layer and a pressure responsive means in the lower layer to reproduce markings made on the removable strips. Each removable strip carries a voter number so that an audit of each ballot can be made by the voter without revealing his identity. The multi-layer scroll-type structure is carried behind a panel having a slot therein extending in the direction of the removable strips and a door covering the slot which is prevented from opening to provide access to the strips in response to operation of the mechanism which senses whether or not a strip has been removed.