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 punch-type vote recording device for use with a machine-readable non-scored ballot card has a card block mounted in fixed relation to a punch plate and means for biasing the foot of a ballot card against a registration surface on the card block. The arrangement as disclosed eliminates the requirement for high dimensional accuracy in registration pins on the vote recorder and accurately positioned registration apertures in ballot cards. The invention is disclosed in a vote recorder having a slidably received ballot holder comprising a punch plate spaced apart from a guide plate and a card block depending from the guide plate. The punch plate is disclosed as being provided with a series of die openings, each of which has a sharp upturned lip for cooperating with a stylus to shear and cut a precise machine readable hole in the ballot card.

Abstract: An automated voting system that integrates the stages of registering and certifying voters and collecting their votes. A computer-based voter registration station accesses a database to verify that the voter is eligible to vote. Vote entry stations provide a computer-based interactive graphic interface for permitting the voter to enter votes. A vote entry controller activates and monitors the vote entry stations to prevent unauthorized voting. Votes may be collected at either the vote entry stations or at the vote entry controller to which they are downloaded, which enhances security by providing a means to compare votes collected at one point in the system with votes collected at another point.

Abstract: A data recorder includes a unitary housing such as comprised of a molded plastic having an open upper portion, a removable lower cover, and a data card receiving arrangement at one end thereof. The data card receiving arrangement includes a narrow slot of precisely fixed dimensions for preventing the insertion of more than one data card at a time. Disposed within the housing are various flat template members arranged in a layered array, with each template having a plurality of spaced apertures therein. Upon full insertion of a data card in the data recorder, the leading edge of the card urges a forward-biased mask member to the full aft position for aligning the apertures of the various layered members allowing the tip of a stylus to be inserted through aligned apertures in the mask and template members to permit severing of chips or punch portions from the data card, which may be either scored or unscored.

Abstract: A punch-out stylus for use with a tabulating device particularly for handicapped persons has a generally elongated body section with a rigid rod member extending axially from one end therefrom and having a tip designed for removing chad from a pre-scored card. An enlarged body portion is attached to the other end of the elongated body section and has an indentation along one side adapted to receive the thumb of the stylus user as the enlarged body portion is gripped.

Abstract: A memory cartridge for use in connection with an electronic voting system features read only memories which carry signals from a computer at an election headquarters to a programmable voting machine prior to an election, and bring the results of the election to election headquarters. The cartridge comprises electrically erasable read only memory for carrying running totals of the votes cast for various candidates, and non-electrically erasable programmable read only memory for carrying the final results. The memories are sealed in an unbreakable cartridge housing and a fuse is provided in series with the WRITE ENABLE line of the non-electrically erasable programmable read only memory which is blown at the conclusion of voting.

Abstract: A portable voting booth is pivotally positionable in a compact storage mode and an expanded voting mode. The voting booth comprises a base storage container and a support console pivotally mounted to the container. A voting console having a ballot means is pivotally mounted to the display console. A pair of panels are connected to the voting console in a generally upright voting mode. The base container forms a generally horizontally disposed base support. The support console and voting console are in generally upright relationship with the booth means being rearwardly supported and forming a generally forward overhang structure. Means are also provided to lower the ballot display to a position for access by handicapped voters.

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: Apparatus is a carrying case, with integral top and bottom case sections. The bottom case section has a working surface for supporting a paper ballot or for pivotably securing a tray for receiving a vote recording device. A latch member secures the recording device on the tray. The bottom case section has a depressed well which externally stores erectable leg members which are integrally connected by an elastic cord to the case section. The top case section has a door which provides access to the recording device or other voting paraphernalia during the stored condition of the apparatus. The access door supports a light fixture internally provided with a test circuit which permits the light fixture to be tested when the apparatus is in stored condition. A defective light or light fixture can be readily removed by opening the access door. The latch member on the tray may be locked to prevent removal of the recording device. The access door has a locking tab which can be locked to the bottom case section.

Abstract: A data registering device for use with machine-processable record punch cards includes a punch card frame supporting resilient strips for receiving punched-out chad pieces which are pushed between the strips by a hand-held stylus. The device further includes a lower card guide attached at a head end of the punch card frame and an upper card guide connected to the lower card guide. The two card guides are adapted to receive the punch card between them. A stylus-guiding template is slidably positioned over the resilient strips for receiving in registry the punch card immediately below. The device improves on prior constructions by providing a removable press-fit attachment connecting the lower card guide with the punch card frame, for permitting removal of the lower card guide from the punch card frame and replacement of the resilient strips when required.

Abstract: A punching stylus for tabulating devices wherein the stylus is inserted through a selected hole in a rigid top plate of the device and through an aligned tabulating card. The stylus comprises a slender, rigid rod having a hardened tip and mounted within a non-rigid handle member in such a way that the handle is flexible relative to the rod. Thus, in use, the rod of the stylus will not break if the stylus is moved laterally or bent over when inserted in the plate hole of a tabulating device.

Abstract: Voting machine or system for both punching holes in a ballot and at the same time accumulating the votes. The ballots are fed into the machine, locked in place, and then tests are made to determine if the ballot is valid. If the ballot is valid, voting is accomplished by the user punching holes in the ballot. The punching of holes also produces storage of the vote which is thereafter accumulated in the machine after the ballot is approved by the voter. The machine also includes means to permit a voter to detect the he or she has overvoted a ballot and thus produced an invalid ballot so that a new ballot may be taken and voted.