Abstract: A computerized voting system has a central computer, regional computers and voting modules connected to a data transfer link for communication with one another. The voting modules access the central computer database under control of the central computer control center. Voter data is created at one of the voting modules and communicated to the database for storage. Input voter data for a given voter at any one of the plurality of voting modules during an election is compared to the stored data for the given voter to verify that the given voter is eligible to vote. Access to the stored voter data for the given voter during an election is restricted to prevent the given voter from voting more than once during the election.

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 election system is described, which includes a voting terminal having a first processor for processing voter selection data, a terminal memory for storing election data, and a first transceiver for transmitting first and second control signals and for receiving the election data; and a memory cartridge having a second processor, a memory for storing election data and security data, and a second transceiver for receiving the first and second control signals and for transmitting the election data.

Abstract: An election terminal apparatus includes an integral-type display/input unit constituted by a liquid crystal display unit and a tablet unit for input data. The display unit displays a first screen including icons corresponding to candidates. A voter operates the tablet unit to designate a candidate for whom he/she wants to vote. The election terminal apparatus discriminates the candidate designated by the voter, and causes the liquid crystal display unit to display an image for allowing the voter to input the candidate name or the like with handwriting. When the voter handwrites the candidate name or the like on the table unit, the election terminal apparatus performs character recognition with respect to the handwritten pattern. When a candidate specified by the recognized characters coincides with the candidate designated first, the election terminal apparatus increments the vote count of the candidate by one.

Abstract: A vote recording device utilizes a punch to form machine readable holes at preselected locations in a non-scored paper ballot card. A stationary top mask with an array of spaced punch access apertures and a metal anvil plate with an array of spaced die apertures are secured within a housing in spaced parallel relation with the apertures in axial alignment. A lockout template having an array of spaced punch receiving apertures is received for sliding movement between the top mask and the anvil plate. The lockout template is biased to a position where the punch receiving apertures on the lockout template are out of alignment with the punch access apertures in the upper mask. A ballot card is inserted between the lockout template and the anvil plate, causing the lockout template to slide to a position in which the punch receiving apertures of the lockout template are in alignment with the punch access apertures in the upper mask and the die apertures in the anvil plate.

Abstract: A data registering apparatus including a base, and first, second and third templates. The first and second templates are positionable adjacent to one another. The third template is positionable above the first and second templates. The third template is provided with apertures adapted to register with corresponding apertures in the first template and with a first set of index point areas of a data record card when the card is positioned in a first superposed operative position. The third template also includes additional apertures adapted to register with corresponding apertures in the second template and with a second set of index point areas of the record card when the card is positioned in a second superposed operative position.

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.