Automatic polling system for elections and referenda

摘要

Each polling station has a terminal (T). The terminal includes a visual display (D), a keyboard (KB), a card reader (R), a local processor unit (LPU) and a printer (P). Each local terminal is linked to a central counting and evaluation unit (2), via fibre-optic or conductive cables. The voter inserts a personal voting card (1) into the reader (R). The card, similar to a cheque card, carries data in electromagnetic or optically read form. The reader verifies the voter's right to take part and ensures that his vote has not been made earlier. The voter obeys instructions on the display screen and uses the keyboard to select the desired party, candidate or answer. When satisfied with his response, as displayed on the screen, the voter removes his card.