Abstract: A method for secure, electronic, distributed voting using existing automated teller machines (ATMs), comprising issuing each voter an access card that can be read by an ATM and a personal identification number (PIN). This card may be a standard bank credit or debit card. ATMs are enabled to read access cards and accept PINs. In response to the reading of an access card and appropriate PIN entry, information relating to the vote to be cast is displayed at the ATM. The user is allowed to cast votes using one or more ATM functions. A particular ATM function is identified as an indication of finalization of the vote. In response, the finalized vote is automatically tallied.

Abstract: A secure election system provides a downloadable ballot viewer object for the casting of ballots. The ballot viewer object authenticates the user, permits user interaction in the casting of ballots, seals the cast ballot image by encryption, and transmits the cast ballot to election headquarters. The ballot viewer object may be used to perform secure voting on the Internet.

Abstract: An electronic voting system is provided that includes at least one voter interface unit associated with network. The voter interface unit is enabled to identify a voter using a disability related communication device coupled to the network, deliver ballot choices to the voter, accept a ballot choice made by the voter, and deliver the ballot choice to a tabulation system. The system may be configured to confirm each ballot selection made by the voter. The system may further include a ballot design database to provide ballot choices and/or a voter registration database. The system may also be configured to enable the voter with an option to connect the voter with a live poll worker, if desired by the voter, at any time when the voter is connected to the system.

Abstract: A method of verifiable voting includes receiving election selections, producing a receipt representation of the election selections, the receipt having a unique receipt number for a voter and publishing election results, the election results including the election selections and unique receipt number.

Abstract: A ballot secrecy sleeve is presented which is used to cover a ballot once it has been marked by the voter. The secrecy sleeve has a top and a bottom and a narrow shoulder at one end as well as a slot for pushing the ballot once it has been inserted into the ballot scanning machine. The ballot secrecy sleeve covers the entire ballot except for a small portion of the ballot that protrudes out of the secrecy sleeve. The ballot is placed within the sleeve. The ballot and sleeve are then placed into the scanning machine ballot slot. Once the ballot and sleeve are in place, the voter pushes the upper end of the ballot using the cutout so that the ballot is fed onto the receiving and advancing rollers of the machine. The ballot is then fed into the scanning and tabulating portion of the machine while it is completely hidden by either the ballot machine slot cover or the ballot secrecy sleeve.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of political election ballots, each with a unique, machine readable, serial voter verification number. A receipt is associated with each ballot with the same individual serial number to be given to a voter using the ballot. A computer database contains the serial numbers of all ballots of the plurality used for voting and, with each serial number, a set of specific candidates selected by the voter on that ballot. An internet server provides computer access to the database by voters to verify each candidate recorded as selected by the voter in the election using the unique serial number of the ballot as a key. Each ballot contains bar codes identifying each different candidate for a different political office. At least portions of all of the printed candidate bar codes are not visible to the human eye but are made visible by the voter to identify each candidates selected by the voter on the ballot to register candidate selection by the voter.

Abstract: A voting system provides for a computer-prepared and computer-printed election ballot generated by input from the voter, and provides for auto-verification whereby the voter has the opportunity and the responsibility to inspect the computer-printed ballot with his or her votes. The voting system also provides for correction of the votes of the voter in the computer station and correction of the votes of the voter shown on the printed ballot if such votes are not shown on the printed ballot as intended by the voter. Ultimately, the voter is presented with a printed ballot prepared by the voting station and its connected printer which accurately presents the votes of the voter for submission by the voter for final tabulation.

Abstract: A method for conducting an election among a plurality of voters includes the steps of: providing each voter with a ballot having at least one unique identifying symbol and a section for authenticating a voting selection; retaining a record of each voting selection; publishing the record of each voting selection; validating the published record of each voting selection; tabulating the voting selections from the validated record; and certifying the tabulated voting selections.

Abstract: A method for secure, electronic, distributed voting using existing automated teller machines (ATMs), comprising issuing each voter an access card that can be read by an ATM and a personal identification number (PIN); enabling the ATMs to read access cards and accept PINs; in response to the reading of an access card and appropriate PIN entry, displaying at the ATM information relating to the vote to be cast; allowing the user to cast votes using one or more ATM functions; identifying a particular ATM function as an indication of finalization of the vote; and in response, automatically tallying the finalized vote.

Abstract: An electronic voting system with a headquarters unit, a plurality of precinct units, a plurality of voting stations associated with each precinct unit, and a plurality of mobile memory units (MMUs) to contain data that can be transported back and forth between the headquarters unit and the precinct units. The MMUs include FLASH memory, wherein each memory location can be written to once and read many times. Each memory location can thus only be subsequently written to after all the data in the entire FLASH memory has been erased. The system includes the ability to store images of the cast ballots at multiple locations for verification and authentication. The system includes the ability to store a direct representation of the voter's selections as displayed to the voter as a redundant image of the ballot. The system also includes the ability for each voting station to automatically read the particular ballot overlay thereon to verify the proper ballot style is being used.

Abstract: System for processing data and disk removal and storage therein. The enclosure contains the means for data processing, disk removal, and disk storage. The system works by inserting a disk into the tray and sliding it forward into the enclosure opening. As the tray proceeds forward, it activates the data processing devices beneath it (if not already activated) that record the data. As the tray proceeds further into the enclosure, the disk is removed from the tray and deposited into the internal storage canister to be used for future reference.

Abstract: An electronic voting system with a headquarters unit, a plurality of precinct units, a plurality of voting stations associated with each precinct unit, and a plurality of mobile memory units (MMUs) to contain data that can be transported back and forth between the headquarters unit and the precinct units. The MMUs include FLASH memory, wherein each memory location can be written to once and read many times. Each memory location can thus only be subsequently written to after all the data in the entire FLASH memory has been erased. The system includes the ability to store images of the cast ballots at multiple locations for verification and authentication. The system includes the ability to store a direct representation of the voter's selections as displayed to the voter as a redundant image of the ballot. The system also includes the ability for each voting station to automatically read the particular ballot overlay thereon to verify the proper ballot style is being used.

Abstract: An electronic voting system with a headquarters unit, a plurality of precinct units, a plurality of voting stations associated with each precinct unit, and a plurality of mobile memory units (MMUs) to contain data that can be transported back and forth between the headquarters unit and the precinct units. The MMUs include FLASH memory, wherein each memory location can be written to once and read many times. Each memory location can thus only be subsequently written to after all the data in the entire FLASH memory has been erased. The system includes the ability to store images of the cast ballots at multiple locations for verification and authentication. The system includes the ability to store a direct representation of the voter's selections as displayed to the voter as a redundant image of the ballot. The system also includes the ability for each voting station to automatically read the particular ballot overlay thereon to verify the proper ballot style is being used.

Abstract: A response form containing a means of input that on manual influence can switch a conducting electrical circuit connected to an electronic unit (40) incorporated into the response form for registration of the said influence. The present invention provides such a response form at low cost and enables the use of the response form as a patient journal. The patient journal also can be integrated with a pharmaceutical response package. The response package is formed of a disposable material in the form of a sheet (12), and a conducting circuit (26) is printed onto one side (16) of the disposable material. The means of input can consist of circuit makers (30, 32) that are visually marked-on one side of the disposable material and that are arranged to make electrical contact across an interrupted loop (28) of the conducting circuit (26) upon pressing together localized inner surfaces (14, 16) of the disposable material which face each other.

Abstract: An electronic voting system with a headquarters unit, a plurality of precinct units, a plurality of voting stations associated with each precinct unit, and a plurality of mobile memory units (MMUs) to contain data that can be transported back and forth between the headquarters unit and the precinct units. The MMUs include FLASH memory, wherein each memory location can be written to once and read many times. Each memory location can thus only be subsequently written to after all the data in the entire FLASH memory has been erased. The system includes the ability to store images of the cast ballots at multiple locations for verification and authentication. The system includes the ability to store a direct representation of the voter's selections as displayed to the voter as a redundant image of the ballot. The system also includes the ability for each voting station to automatically read the particular ballot overlay thereon to verify the proper ballot style is being used.

Abstract: A Direct Vote Recording System (DVRS) (10) has three primary components, Personal Computer (PC) (100) which runs an Election Management System (EMS), Direct Vote Recording Machine (DVRM) (300) and a Smart Card Activator Device (SCAD) (500). In addition, the DVRS includes Data Carriers (800), Voter Smart Cards (710) and Polling Office smart cards (720).

Abstract: An electronic voting system with a headquarters unit, a plurality of precinct units, a plurality of voting stations associated with each precinct unit, and a plurality of mobile memory units (MMUs) to contain data that can be transported back and forth between the headquarters unit and the precinct units. The MMUs include FLASH memory, wherein each memory location can be written to once and read many times. Each memory location can thus only be subsequently written to after all the data in the entire FLASH memory has been erased. The system includes the ability to store images of the cast ballots at multiple locations for verification and authentication. The system includes the ability to store a direct representation of the voter's selections as displayed to the voter as a redundant image of the ballot. The system also includes the ability for each voting station to automatically read the particular ballot overlay thereon to verify the proper ballot style is being used.

Abstract: A voting ballot is provided that comprises a number of selection areas positioned thereon. The voting ballot also includes a ballot specification embodied in a two dimensional bar code and a number of coordinates included in the ballot specification. Each of the coordinates indicates a position of one of the selection areas on the voting ballot relative to a predefined point on the voting ballot. Also, the voting ballot includes at least one contest identified in the ballot specification, wherein at least one of the selection areas is associated with the at least one contest. In addition, the present invention provides for a voting machine and method for tabulating and storing votes cast on the voting ballot as well as a system and method for creating the voting ballot.

Abstract: A voting system wherein a voter identification card is provided to a voter having an optical code including voter identification information. The optical code on the voter identification card of a voter is read at a polling station prior to permitting said voter to vote and a digital signature is received from the voter. A handheld wireless data acquisition device is provided to the voter for making voting selections and a receipt with the voting selections made by said voter is printed. The voting selections are wirelessly transmitted from the handheld wireless data acquisition device to a host computer for tallying the voting selections from a plurality of voters.

Abstract: A voting machine is described comprising an image of a candidate. A button, corresponding to the image of the candidate, is engaged to choose the candidate. The image is displayed in a verification window after the button is engaged. A confirmation mechanism is engaged to affirm that the image in the verification window is correct and to irreversibly tally a vote for the candidate.

Abstract: In elections, the method and means of recording the votes of voters onto material that can be processed through Postal Service machinery to read, sort and count said votes for the electorate, whereby said method and means includes the use of special labels to identify candidates, whereby said labels are used to be fixed on voting cards to indicate a voter's choice of candidate or measure, whereby said labels are self stick labels presented on a sheet or in a booklet. A roster of candidates and measures or sample ballot will be in each voting booth for the voters to refer to. It lists all the candidates and issues. When the voters look at the list of candidates and find the candidate they want to vote for they pull off the label of their choice from the booklet of labels and stick it on a blank voting card. That completes the vote for that office. When they have finished the voting, they allow said cards to be collected and sent to selected Post Offices.

Abstract: A voting system for allowing voters to select one of a plurality of choices associated with at least one race associated with an election. The voting system comprises a blank ballot form, a blank tabulation form, and a kiosk system. A blank ballot form is issued to each voter. The kiosk system comprises an output device, an input device, a tabulation system, a memory device, and a printer. The blank tabulation form is associated with the kiosk system. The memory device stores race data and choice data associated with the choices and races of the election, selection data, and tabulation data. The output device is controlled to communicate the race data and the choice data to the voters. The input device is controlled to receive the selection data from the voters. The tabulation system generates the tabulation data associated with the kiosk system based on the selection data.

Abstract: A participant controlled mutual fund is directed by participants who make the investing decisions through an intricate nominating and voting process over the Internet. The voting process is flexible in that it adjusts to the changing positions in the financial markets, thereby allowing the mutual fund to quickly take advantage of good opportunities, while preventing haste decisions in volatile markets. An advisor executes the market orders generated by the participants and monitors the mutual fund to ensure that the fund complies with applicable law.

Abstract: An electronic voting system with a headquarters unit, a plurality of precinct units, a plurality of voting stations associated with each precinct unit, and a plurality of mobile memory units (MMUs) to contain data that can be transported back and forth between the headquarters unit and the precinct units. The MMUs include FLASH memory, wherein each memory location can be written to once and read many times. Each memory location can thus only be subsequently written to after all the data in the entire FLASH memory has been erased. The system includes the ability to store images of the cast ballots at multiple locations for verification and authentication. The system includes the ability to store a direct representation of the voter's selections as displayed to the voter as a redundant image of the ballot. The system also includes the ability for each voting station to automatically read the particular ballot overlay thereon to verify the proper ballot style is being used.

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: 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: 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 lightweight portable voting booth (20) includes a bivalve case (22), a declined electronic voting panel (24) and a support base (26) that permit full frontal access by a wheelchair-bound person (30). The booth (20) can be packed into the case (22) for transport and storage.

Abstract: A device and method for collecting voting data is disclosed, the device including a housing having a front face, back panel, opposite sides and a base, a visual character display, and a slot opening on the front face. A central processor within the housing stores data, including preprogrammed data and collected data in a primary memory, and controls operation of the components of the device, including a card reader. The card reader is structured to pull a ballot card through the slot opening for scanning data thereon, including votes cast by the voter, and transferring the scanned data to the central processor where the voting data is stored and tallied. The scanned ballot cards are deposited into a collection box within a locked interior of the housing. A bar code reader and/or a magnetic strip reader on the device reads encoded data on a voter's identification card, such as a voter registration number, so that the encoded data may also be transferred to the central processor for storage.

Abstract: A voting machine is provided allowing an illiterate, sight impaired or blind individual to cast a vote in privacy and without assistance from another party. The voting machine includes a ballot box having a plurality of voting mechanisms for allowing the individual to cast a vote. One voting mechanism is provided for each election candidate/each side of an election issue. The voting machine also includes an audio player that plays an audio presentation that guides the individual through the voting process by identifying each voting mechanism. A tactile and visual map may also be provided. The map cooperates with the audio presentation to orient the individual for voting. A method is also disclosed.

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: 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 movable heavy duty voting booth with a structural frame and lightweight panels to accommodate electronic voting mechanisms.

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: An electronic voting system in which a programmable electronic voting machine is personalized by the addition of a ballot sheet and a memory cartridge containing signals output by a computer device operated by election officials in preparing for an election. A corresponding ballot is similarly printed by the computer device. The memory cartridge is arranged to be used to carry the final totals back to a computer at election headquarters for totalization and outputting of the election results. Circuitry is included within the system for insuring election security, for providing absentee balloting and for permitting write in voting.

Abstract: An improved voting machine particularly suitable for use in harsh environments is disclosed which features a control box which is operated by an election official individually activating the machine before each vote is cast. The control box may be disposed at a distance from the voting machine and is connected thereto by a permanently attached flexible cable, whereby the machine is rendered essentially foolproof yet durable in service. The machine is provided with first locking means to enable viewing of the tallies on the vote counters and second locking means prohibiting resetting of the counters except by authorized persons. A counter is also provided to provide a count of the number of times the tallies are reset to zero.

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.

Abstract: A voting system includes a vote head with a plurality of selector switches for actuation by a voter to indicate choices of candidates, bond issues, referenda and other questions. Switches on the vote head control the drive of a film projector for displaying successive frames of election questions and, after all the selections have been made and reviewed, to transfer the voting information to a data center. The data center generates a train of data pulses for passage to the vote head, continually scanning the switches. Signals are returned from the vote head, indicating the change in status of any switch or indicator lamp. The data center is controlled by a program, in hard-wired circuits and in a memory circuit, for regulating the scanning of the vote head and the registration of the votes. The portion of the program unique to the particular election is stored in the memory from a tape prior to the election procedure.

Abstract: A compact, versatile voting machine is disclosed having adaptability for use with various vote registering devices such as tally counters and punch card apparatus. The voting machine includes a selector mechanism having a series of parallel columns housing voter operated key slides. A vertical interlock mechanism includes ball housing blocks which are alternately disposed between the key slides and house displaceable interlock balls in a tool line. The cam blocks are adjustable to limit the effective length of the tool line to establish groupings of candidates from which a single selection can be made. A magazine at the top of each column is adjustable to permit multiple selections from a grouping. Actuation of a key cams the interlock balls into the tool line, and when a predetermined number of voter selections have been made no additional keys can be actuated as they are blocked by the tool line.

Abstract: An electrical voting machine is disclosed which uses digital circuits to allow each of a number of voters to (1) select one of a number of alternative answers to a question and (2) express a selected degree of confidence in the selected answer, and then combines digitally the voter selections, and displays indications reflecting both the answer distribution and the degree of confidence of the voter group in the selected answers. Additionally, the machine calculates and displays: the total number of voters, a downcount of the number of voters as their votes are tallied, a weighted mean of the answer curve, an error signal if the number of votes exceeds the number of voters or if there is a circuit failure, and an error condition if an attempt is made to tally the votes before all voters have voted.

Abstract: A compact, versatile voting machine is disclosed having adaptability for use with various vote registering devices such as tally counters and punch card apparatus. The voting machine includes a selector mechanism having a series of parallel columns housing voter operated key slides. A vertical interlock mechanism includes ball housing blocks which are alternately disposed between the key slides and house displaceable interlock balls in a tool line. The cam blocks are adjustable to limit the effective length of the tool line to establish groupings of candidates from which a single selection can be made. A magazine at the top of each column is adjustable to permit multiple selections from a grouping. Actuation of a key cams the interlock balls into the tool line, and when a predetermined number of voter selections have been made no additional keys can be actuated as they are blocked by the tool line.