Abstract: Systems and methods for populating and printing paper ballots are provided. The system includes a voter interface module configured to receive a voter selection of options from a list of options on a voter interface and a ballot definition module configured to create a ballot definition which associates each option on a ballot with a respective position on a two dimensional grid. A ballot generation module uses the ballot definition module to determine the position for each option selected by the voter and controls a printer to print a paper ballot having a two dimensional, machine readable grid with markings at the determined positions corresponding to the voter selected options received at the voter interface module.

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: A voting system comprises a setup module, which generates a ballot input in a plurality of formats. A conversion module receives the ballot input and generates a converted ballot output. A loading module receives data in the converted ballot output and makes the converted ballot output available to a plurality of precinct modules via a delivery infrastructure. A voting process occurs whereby individuals cast votes using the precinct module and after the votes are cast, the precinct module produce votes outputs based on the converted ballot output and the votes made by the individuals via the voting process. A tabulation module receives the vote outputs from each of the precinct modules and aggregates the vote outputs to produce a result for the election.