Abstract: A distributed ledger-based system, method and apparatus for administering voting contests is disclosed. Potential voters send registration requests to a distributed ledger, and each computing node of the distributed ledger, executing a smart voting contract, registers the potential voters and issues each registered voter a cryptographic voting token. Each registered voter uses the cryptographic voting token to cast an electronic ballot, the electronic ballot comprising a distributed ledger-based voting transaction request. Each voting transaction request is received by each computing node of the distributed ledger and verified, and a distributed ledger-based, verified voting transaction is created and validated along with other verified voting transactions by each of the computing nodes. When the verified voting transactions are validated, a cryptographic block is created and added to a blockchain of the distributed ledger.

Abstract: The voting method (30) comprises: a step (32) of a voter selecting a candidate or a proposition put to a vote, using an interface of a terminal (11); a step (34) of the terminal writing information representative of the choice made by the voter to the memory (25) of a ballot sheet, a step (35) of printing (22) the choice made by the voter on the surface of the ballot sheet, a step (36) of dispensing the printed ballot sheet (20) to be slid into a ballot box (15), a step (38, 39) of inserting the ballot sheet into the ballot box, a step (40) of the ballot box (15) reading the memory of the ballot sheet, a step (42) of storing the numbers of ballots expressing the various possible choices, a step (33) of the terminal determining a unique code, unique for at least the ongoing ballot, independent of the identity of the voter, of the order of arrival of the voter or of any document that may have been issued prior to the time when the ballot sheet was issued, and a step (34) of writing the indeterminable code to

Abstract: Disclosed are an electronic voting system based on homogeneous cryptography and a method thereof. An electronic voting method includes the steps of: (a) generating a serial number sn by using election identification information eid and a his/her secret key, wherein the election identification information eid is shared through a block chain; (b) encrypting a voting message M through verifiable homogeneous cryptography to generate a ciphertext CT, and generating a zero-knowledge proof key ? for the voting message; and (c) transmitting an electronic ballot including the serial number sn, the ciphertext CT, and the zero-knowledge proof key ? to a block chain network as a transaction.

Abstract: A system for collecting and retaining a sample from exhaled breath of a subject for analysis can include a two part housing, a two part trap section, and optionally a boat fitment.

Abstract: A system for an interactive political platform includes a computing device configured to produce a user signature, identify a political alignment as a function of the user signature, wherein identifying a political agreement further comprises receiving an ethical set, identifying the political alignment as a function of the ethical set and the user signature using an alignment machine-learning model, determine a representative index as a function of the user political alignment, wherein determining the representative index further comprises receiving a bureaucratic indicator, and determining the representative index as a function of the bureaucratic indicator, and transmit a notification to a user as a function of the representative index.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a distributed voting system, method, apparatus, a computer device and a readable storage medium. The distributed voting system includes: a first node configured to broadcast voting invitation information; a second node configured to generate and broadcast voting commitment information according to the voting invitation information wherein the voting commitment information includes first signature information generated by the second node according to its own secret key for the voting commitment information; and a third node configured to determine that the voting commitment information is valid according to pre-acquired public key information of the second node and the first signature information, wherein the secret key of the second node uniquely corresponds to a public key of the second node, and a voting record is generated according to the voting commitment information and the voting record is stored in a first data block of the system.

Abstract: A system includes a processing circuit including a processor coupled to machine readable storage media having instructions stored therein that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including receiving a geographical indicator regarding a user, obtaining a list of government representatives associated with the geographical indicator, displaying the list of government representatives to the user via a graphical user interface, receiving a selection of at least one government representative from the list of government representatives via the graphical user interface, and obtaining information about the at least one selected government representative, where the information includes real-time information pertaining to the at least one selected government representative.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to electronic voting methods and systems that help simplify the management of institutional proxies. In one example, the methods and systems manage the process of meeting notifications, voting, tracking, mailing, reporting, record maintenance and/or vote disclosure rules enacted by the SEC. In one specific example, this is done for thousands of publicly traded securities custodied at various banks, brokers and global custodians. In another example, a system (and corresponding method) is provided for integrating, organizing and displaying (e.g., via a website) information in a language of preference for each user of the system. The information comprises meeting, agenda and/or ballot information and the users of the system/method is voting entities empowered to cast votes via the system.

Abstract: A machine that operates responsive at least in part to data bearing records (10) presents user selection contest options to users through at least one output device such as a display (14), and receives user contest option selection inputs and machine instruction inputs through input devices such as a touch screen overlay (16), a keypad (18) or other input devices. The machine may further include a device that reads data bearing records such as a bar code reader or a card reader (30). The machine records the user's selections and also user/machine interaction data which describes each user interaction with the machine during the user's session with the machine to facilitate verifying proper operation of the machine and recording of user selections.

Abstract: A system and method provide content review, distribution, ranking and access and automate creation and performance of contests among sets of content-based contestants. The system and method provide customizable interactive, ongoing, multi-level, multi-round contests with expert review of and filtered submission of content-based contestants. Among other advantages, providers may use the system and method to obtain expert and consumer review and ranking of their content.

Abstract: A machine that operates responsive at least in part to data bearing records (10) presents user selection contest options to users through at least one output device such as a display (14) and receives user contest option selection inputs and machine instruction inputs through input devices such as a touch screen overlay (16), keypad (18) or other input devices. The machine may further include a device that reads data bearing records such as a bar code reader or a card reader (30). The machine records the user's selections and also user/machine interaction data which describes each user interaction with the machine during the user's session with the machine to facilitate verifying proper operation of the machine and recording of user selections.

Abstract: An electronic voting terminal includes: a display; a data input device; a biometric input device; a case having an open and a closed position, the case protecting the display, the input device, and the biometric input device in the closed position, the case making the display, input device and biometric input device accessible by the voter in the open position; a communications medium; a microprocessor to control the display, the data input device, the biometric input device, and the communications medium; and a power supply that accepts alternating current and provides direct current to the microprocessor The device utilizes the biometric input device to validate the identity of the voter, utilizes the data input device to receive the ballot from the voter, and utilizes the communications medium to transmit the ballot. A system for voting also includes a centralized computer and voter registration database.

Abstract: Techniques are described for generating text in a structured language, such as source code in a programming language, based on audio input. Audible tokens may be associated with higher-level constructs, including design elements such as methods, classes, design patterns, and so forth. Additionally, audible tokens may be associated with lower-level syntactic constructs of a programming language, such as programming language keywords, tokens, and so forth. Techniques may receive and parse the audio input including the audible tokens, and generate source code output. Techniques may also provide audio information indicating a development context that may otherwise be indicated visually in a development environment.

Abstract: A ballot processing device flashes one or more lights of the ballot processing device in a first color when the ballot processing device is ready to receive a ballot. The ballot processing device lights a portion of the one or more lights of the ballot processing device in a second color when the ballot processing device is not ready to receive a ballot.

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

Abstract: Technology for use with computing devices, particularly mobile devices and wireless networks supporting federation, enabling people, devices, systems, or the like to join together in electronic federations for purposes of voting or the like. The votes in such voting situations may be weighted based on various criteria associated with the voter, the subject of the vote, and/or other criteria relevant to the voting scenario. The technology also enables users to monitor a voting scenario in real-time and tailor their own voting or decisions or the like to the scenario, even as it unfolds.

Abstract: A system and device facilitate the storage and tracking of warehoused voting machines. A system includes a host computer, a plurality of voting machines that are connected via a network to the host computer, each voting machine having one or both of a wireless communication device and a data port that is coupled to the host computer. The system also includes an election and voting machine preparation portion included in the host computer to manage and/or control the connected voting machines. The election and voting machine preparation portion is configured to manage the status of the connected voting machines, is configured to instruct the voting machines to run self tests, is configured to receive results of the self tests back from the connected voting machines, and is configured to prepare/program the connected voting machines with an election ballot.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for electronically correcting votes made on voter-marked paper ballots. An optical scan system may image a paper ballot and allow vote modification by the voter following the imaging. Such a modification may be necessary, for example, if a voter has improperly voted (e.g., voted for two candidates for one office), if a definitive determination of the intention to cast a vote cannot be made (e.g., partially filed-in bubble associated with a candidate, erasure, stray marks), if a write-in candidate is included on the ballot, or if a voter has changed their mind or otherwise wishes to cast a different vote than initially indicated. After correction, the corrected ballot may be re-imaged.

Abstract: A ballot tabulation device includes a scanner operable to obtain an image of at least a portion of a paper ballot that includes a voter response area. A processor applies a virtual template to the image to identify a center point for the voter response area. The virtual template comprises a set of characteristic points positioned in predetermined locations in relation to the center point of the voter response area, wherein the characteristic points comprise points that are common to a plurality of sample ballot images. The processor also defines a response window that is centered on the center point of the voter response area, and analyzes the response window to determine if the voter response area is marked by a voter.

Abstract: A voting system including a universal voting station and a tabulation device. The voting station is operable to receive an activation card on which it prints a voter's voting selection. The voter may choose to have the voting station transmit the voting selection to the tabulation device and deposit the activation card into a ballot box, or return the activation card to the voter. The tabulation device is operable to scan and tabulate the voting selections on both marked paper ballots and printed activation cards. The ballot box is preferably a common ballot box that is positioned to receive activation cards from the voting station and paper ballots and activation cards from the tabulation device.

Abstract: A modular integrated software and hardware suite can accept data exported from a voter registration database corresponding to requests for mail ballots, sort the data as necessary for ballot preparation, create a road map for ballot mailing preparation, provide for mail presorting, scan returned ballot envelopes using a ballot envelope scanner, and accept data from the scanner. The scanner uses a passive feed system, a separator brush, and a variable speed straight paper path to minimize jamming through the ballot envelope scanner. The scanner can work with a workstation application to interpret a barcode, store an image of the ballot envelope signature in association with a specific voter, print an endorsement on each verified ballot envelope, and store the endorsement with the signature image. The scanner can divert ballot envelopes with unrecognizable or unmatched barcodes to a separate tray for manual processing.

Abstract: An integrated voting system and method for accommodating paper ballots and audio ballots. The voting system includes a voting device operable to scan a paper ballot with one or more marked voting selections and tabulate the marked voting selections. The voting system also includes an accessible voting station in communication with the voting device. The accessible voting station comprises a voting console operable present an audio ballot to a voter via headphones, and receive one or more voting selections entered in response to the audio ballot from the voter. A printer is also provided to print a printed ballot that includes the entered voting selections. The voting device is operable to tabulate the printed voting selections by scanning the printed ballot or receiving voting selection information extracted from the printed ballot from the accessible voting station.

Abstract: A voting unit and a ballot transaction processing system for processing a voting session. The voting unit includes an optical ballot scanner and a printer that is capable of printing a non-human readable barcode on ballots that are fed into the voting unit. The ballots are filled out (or cast) by the voter before being inserted into the voting unit. The voter can confirm the voting unit's interpretations of his/her selections on the scanned ballot via a display and confirm that the interpretations are correct via an input section on the voting unit. The ballot transaction processing system is also capable of generating, assigning and communicating to a plurality of voting units a set of unique transaction codes. In so doing, the ballot transaction processing system maintains voter secrecy, prevents ballot stuffing and provides a one-to-one correspondence between images of optically scanned ballots and the ballots themselves.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a voter list, and receiving a plurality of different types of ballot images. The method includes using a control program to form a side file which associates the ballot images with the voter list, wherein the control program selects a ballot image which corresponds to a selected voter of the voter list. The method includes forming a print job which includes the selected ballot image, and printing the print job to form an unused ballot which includes the selected ballot image. The method includes comparing an image of the unused ballot with the selected ballot image.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for visualizing results of elections. A set of ballots, each including one or more areas for expression of intent, are received and analyzed with a computerized image analysis tool. The image analysis tool provides a score associated with the areas for expression of intent for one or more of the set of ballots. The analyzed areas are displayed on an image-display device according to a predetermined criterion.

Abstract: Each respective mail item in a received batch of items is read to acquire information, which enables a plurality of verifications with regard to authenticity of the respective mail item. In a vote-by-mail example, one or more features are validated for authenticity in relation to the election, and one or more features are validated for authenticity in relation to a voter. The verifications in relation to a voter may involve detection of a signature and verification of the authenticity of the signature. The items are sorted according to the verification results and may be sorted based on other criteria. The methods, systems and software disclosed herein enable such verifications and sorting, in a single pass through a sorting system.

Abstract: A ballot box assembly includes a secure location for storing a paper ballot generated by an interactive user terminal. The assembly includes a housing, a ballot storage chamber, an aperture and a drive assembly. The housing is provided for holding the ballot generated by the interactive user terminal. The housing includes a coupling portion for removably securing the housing to the interactive user terminal. The ballot storage chamber is disposed within the housing. The aperture is provided for receiving the ballot from the interactive user terminal when the housing is secured to the interactive user terminal. The aperture passes through the housing. The drive assembly is provided for conveying the ballot from the aperture to the inner ballot storage chamber. The drive assembly selectively blocks passage of the ballot between the aperture and the ballot storage chamber. An input device is provided for authenticating a voting session.

Abstract: Relative ranking of items is performed based on a subjective attribute of the items. A user interface that displays the relative ranking of the items includes an axis that corresponds to the subject attribute. The user interface further includes a display section that displays representations of the items along the axis according to rankings relative to the subjective attribute. The display section is also to present one or more additional items in response to customer input.

Abstract: There is described an image forming apparatus, which make it possible to appropriately print each of a valid print object and an invalid print object. The apparatus includes: a printing section to conduct a printing operation based on the print data, so as to create the print product; and a control section to determine whether the digital signature is valid or invalid so as to control the printing operation, based on the determined result. When the plurality of print objects includes both a valid print object for which the digital signature is determined as valid and an invalid print object for which the digital signature is determined as invalid, the control section controls the printing operation, so as to enable the valid print object to be printed, based on the print data, while disable the invalid print object to be printed, based on the print data.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method to guarantee that a personal choice corresponds with an electronic encoding of this choice and, more particularly, to a system and method for its production, and allows the verification to a human that his or her choice has been taken into account which is easily auditable.

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

Abstract: A secure ballot box includes a main compartment for receiving ballots, a case including a base and a cover supported by the main compartment, and a scanner supported within the base. The cover is coupled with the base and is moveable between a closed position enclosing the scanner and an open position exposing at least a portion of the scanner. The case and scanner are removable from the main compartment for easy transport. A sensor, operable to detect the height of the ballots collected within the main compartment, is coupled with the scanner to switch the scanner to an off mode such that additional ballots will not be accepted when the height of ballots within the main compartment reaches a predetermined threshold level.

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: An automated system and method for processing vote-by-mail ballots. The method comprises electronically evaluating the ballots for validity and sorting them according to sort parameters and sort plan. Included in the invention is an apparatus, computer readable medium, and computer system for carrying out the ballot processing method.

Abstract: Verifying ballots that are cast in an election is provided. A mutual attestation procedure is executed between a plurality of devices communicating in a voting system via a network. A number of certificates are published. Each certificate corresponds to one of the plurality of devices and contains a public key and reference election configuration data defining a reference machine execution environment state of its corresponding device. A voter authorization token is generated for each voter. Voting results are generated in response to using a given voter authorization token to cast a given ballot using a specified voting device. Current election configuration data is generated that defines a current machine execution environment state of the specified voting device when the given ballot was cast. The current election configuration data is compared with the reference configuration data to verify a valid machine execution environment state of the specified voting device.

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: An improved paper ballot voting system allows voters to verify that their ballots are correctly counted and provide substantiating evidence if they are not. Codes are revealed to voters by the act of marking the ballot during voting and voters can check that these codes are posted. If these codes are not posted as marked, voters can make the codes they obtained public. These codes made public by voters can be compared against codes that were cryptographically committed to in advance of the election. If the codes from voters do in fact match codes committed to, evidence of incorrectness of the vote tallying is provided.

Abstract: A ballot box assembly includes a secure location for storing a paper ballot generated by an interactive user terminal. The assembly includes a housing, a ballot storage chamber, an aperture and a drive assembly. The housing is provided for holding the ballot generated by the interactive user terminal. The housing includes a coupling portion for removeably securing the housing to the interactive user terminal. The ballot storage chamber is disposed within the housing. The aperture is provided for receiving the ballot from the interactive user terminal when the housing is secured to the interactive user terminal. The aperture passes through the housing. The drive assembly is provided for conveying the ballot from the aperture to the inner ballot storage chamber. The drive assembly selectively blocks passage of the ballot between the aperture and the ballot storage chamber. An input device is provided for authenticating a voting session.

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 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 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 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 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: The invention relates to a ballot box assembly for securely storing a paper ballot generated by an interactive user terminal includes a housing, a ballot storage chamber, an aperture and a drive assembly. The housing is provided for holding the ballot generated by the interactive user terminal. The housing includes a coupling portion for removeably securing the housing to the interactive user terminal. The ballot storage chamber is disposed within the housing. The aperture is provided for receiving the ballot from the interactive user terminal when the housing is secured to the interactive user terminal. The aperture passes through the housing. The drive assembly is provided for conveying the ballot from the aperture to the inner ballot storage chamber. The drive assembly selectively blocks passage of the ballot between the aperture and the ballot storage chamber.

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: Relatively ranking items based on subjective attributes of the items, and for discovering these relatively ranked items. A voting server as described may include a voting application that receives an indication of an item of interest to a customer. Based on preferences indicated by customers, the voting application may rank the item and one or more other items for the subjective attribute. The voting application may also send data representing a user interface to a client system, with the user interface including representations of the item and the other item. The user interface may arrange the representations of the items along an axis corresponding to the subjective attribute.

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.