Abstract:
A portable voting booth having multiple voting stations or trays combined with a single voting cart. The voting cart includes portable voting booth trays that can be deployed from the voting cart with privacy shields that are formed integral and can be erected for privacy. Voting trays are placed at various levels to accommodate individuals of various heights, including individuals utilizing wheelchairs while also providing a compact storage configuration. Beneath the retractable voting stations is an area for storage of voting materials, allowing the materials to be assembled in a remote location and sealed within the utility cart for storage. The cart then can be moved to the particular locations for the voting procedure. Upon completion of the voting process the cart can be resealed with the cast ballots. Tracking systems are optionally employed to track the cart and/or contents of the cart.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/730,342, filed Mar. 24, 2010, entitled MULTI-STATION VOTING BOOTH WITH STORAGE/UTILITY CART, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to the field of portable voting booths, and in particular to multi-station portable voting booths including a storage cart. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Voting booths provide an area of privacy for those exercising the right to vote. Whether the vote is for electing an individual to a position of leadership, or deciding whether to tax cigarettes, the right to vote is a most private matter. For this reason, voting booths of most every configuration can be found; all with a purpose of providing an area of privacy for the individual exercising their freedom to vote. For instance, stand alone units are well known wherein curtains are hung around the individual for privacy. More elaborate booths might have computer terminals built into the stands. 
         [0004]    Most every voting booth is portable as they are used only temporarily. The voting process is performed on a predefined date, and depending on the type of election, might require assembly once, twice or multiple times per year. Due to the amount of people that are involved in voting, a school or church having a large area is typically employed. For instance, a school cafeteria may be employed wherein portable stands are assembled and made available for the voting public. Without such devices the election process would fail to render the actual beliefs of the voters. 
         [0005]    There are numerous types of voting booths, each having a configuration that permits various degrees of privacy. One of the problems with the currently available portable voting booths is their inability to store critical materials necessary for a particular election. This includes items such as the ballots that will be employed by the voting public as well as the ballots after they have been cast. For the integrity of the election process, the ballots must be accounted for both before and after the vote, and the voting booth must maintain a minimum of privacy so that an individual does not feel obligated to vote in any manner that is contrary to their own belief. 
         [0006]    One shortcoming associated with current systems relates to voter privacy. Current systems require the voter to mark His/Her ballot in a voting booth, and thereafter feed the ballot into the ballot scanner/ballot counter/ballot tabulator which is kept in a different location. Voters often view the movement required to transfer the ballot from location to location as a threat to voter privacy. Often paper folders or the like are given to voters in an attempt to conceal the marked ballot. However, the marked ballot must ultimately be revealed to bystanders when fed into the tabulating machine. Thus, there remains a need in the art for a voting booth which integrates a ballot vote marking table, optical ballot scan counter, and ballot box within one location to eliminate the need for transferring a marked ballot to a different location. 
         [0007]    Another shortcoming associated with current systems relates to transportation and the associated accounting of voting materials to minimize voter fraud. Transportation of booths, scanners, ballots and the like necessarily requires the equipment to be surrendered to others, increasing the chance of fraudulent voting. Tracking the equipment becomes a logistical nightmare as the equipment is transferred to transportation to different locations starting from a warehouse to the election voting places like schools, churches, etc., carrying all the important accessories for voting. Ballots and the like may easily be stolen for ballot box stuffing. Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a voting booth system suitable for securing all required voting supplies under seal while the voting booth is in transit or storage. The voting booth system should also include electronic real time tracking of the voting booth and any voting supplies or equipment stored within the voting booth. The voting booth may include more than one tracking system to provide redundancy for added security or monitoring by more than one agency. 
         [0008]    Yet another shortcoming associated with the prior art relates to the provision of instructions to voters. Presently, voting booths have instructions for voting in the form of a paper (instruction sheet) that is typically posted in a plastic sleeve along one wall of the carrel portion of the voting booth. Voters often take these sheets to confuse subsequent voters or occasional last minute instructions need to be added to the list. Thus, there is a need in the election industry to provide voting instruction using a LCD display screen which provides instruction in a more user friendly format that is difficult to alter or take, and may be updated as required from a central or local database. 
         [0009]    Thus, what is needed in the art is a multi-station voting booth system that is easily stored, transported, erected, and can be used to secure pre- and post-voting materials. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The instant invention is a portable voting booth system that incorporates multiple voting stations in a single voting utility/storage type cart. In addition, the voting cart is specifically adapted for holding voting equipment and/or materials both before and after the voting process. The voting cart includes a plurality of portable voting booth stations or trays that can be deployed from the voting cart with carrel type privacy shields that are integrally hinged to the stations or trays and can be erected quickly for privacy. Magnets, hook and loop, spring pins or the like may be utilized to secure the erect carrel shields to the tray. A rectangular shaped cart may include up to eight privacy booths or trays placed at various levels of height with respect to the floor. This construction not only allows for compactness, but further allows various accommodation of individuals that are utilizing a wheelchair, as well as individuals of different height. In addition, this design permits voting trays to be configured in various ways within the same voting cart to accommodate a wide variety of voting regulations. 
         [0011]    Beneath the retractable voting stations are areas for storage of voting materials such as, but not limited to, ballots, pencils, pens, scanners, counters, instruction sheets, voting location identification etc. This construction allows the equipment and/or materials to be assembled in a remote warehouse location and sealed within the voting booth system for storage and transport. The voting booth system can then be moved to the desired locations for the voting procedure. At the voting location, the seal can be broken and the voting equipment and voting materials accessed. Upon completion of the voting process, the unused voting materials as well as marked ballots, voting equipment and the like may be placed within the voting cart with provisions to reseal the cart and allow transportation to another location or to the ballot tally area. 
         [0012]    At least one embodiment includes electronic tracking of the voting cart, as well as voting equipment and materials alike. This helps the user to pinpoint the precise location, time/date and motion data points of the voting cart, and for enhanced security features, the location of the multi-station voting cart can be tracked with remote asset management solutions. In some embodiments, the multi-station voting cart will be fitted with a remote monitoring unit which continuously, in real time, audits the cart&#39;s location and contents. The real time tracking incorporates standard electronic communication technologies such as RF communications, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Global System Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and Worldwide Inter-portability for Microwave Access (WEiMAX). In some embodiments, the voting cart communicates and updates a central server or a logistics management system located in a remote location. Reports based on the information can be customized for specific needs of the customer. Real time tracking may also include GEO fencing which may be utilized to electronically limit access to the internal storage area of the voting cart and may be utilized to notify the user when the voting cart leaves a predefined virtual perimeter. 
         [0013]    Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a voting booth system having a wheeled voting cart that includes drawer style pull out deployment of multiple voting stations or trays. 
         [0014]    It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart wherein the individual voting station or trays include hingedly connected folding carrel type privacy walls that can be erected without tools and folded into a compact and collapsed configuration after use for ease of storage. 
         [0015]    It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart that includes a storage area in combination with the drawer type voting trays for placement of pre- and post-voting ballot materials in a securable location. 
         [0016]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart that can be easily moved, and upon positioning may be locked in place by locking a plurality of supporting wheels in position. 
         [0017]    It is yet still another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart that provides voting stations or trays positioned at various heights wherein individuals that are wheelchair bound or that are quite tall may easily access a voting station or tray. 
         [0018]    It is yet still another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart that is constructed and arranged to be configured in various arrangements depending upon the amount of individuals expected or the particular location, spatial restrictions or local voting regulations and/or rules. 
         [0019]    It is yet still another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart that is strong and durable to withstand countless moves across most any type of surface and has impact edges so as to prevent marring of walls or other voting carts. 
         [0020]    It is yet still another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart having hingedly connected folding carrel type privacy shields that can be secured in an upright deployed position by the use of spring pins, magnets, hook and loop or the like to eliminate the need for assembly tools or assembly instructions by providing voting stations that are adherently easy to erect through simplicity of design. 
         [0021]    It is yet still another objective of the present invention to provide individual voting stations or trays that include active low energy type lighting at the individual stations. 
         [0022]    It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a voting station or tray that is suitably sized to integrate the ballot marking area on the tray and an optical ballot scanner on a single or adjacent tray to increase voter privacy. 
         [0023]    It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart that incorporates the use of electronic access systems for security. Real time tracking incorporates standard electronic communication technologies such as RF communications, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Global System Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and Worldwide Inter-portability for Microwave Access (WEiMAX). 
         [0024]    It is still yet another objective of the present invention to incorporate an electronic sensor based system to quantify and/or identify materials an/or equipment inside the storage cart which are critical during Election Day. 
         [0025]    It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart that includes a sensor system that electronically cooperates with a tracking system to alert the user of missing or deficient item(s) to reduce Election Day issues. 
         [0026]    It is still yet another objective of the present invention to incorporate the use of electronic monitor screens of various sizes to display voter information and specific voter instructions in individual voting stations. 
         [0027]    It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a multi-station voting cart that incorporates a central braking system for locking and unlocking the brakes on all of the wheels utilized on the voting cart. 
         [0028]    It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart having an active lighting system at each voting station or tray, whereby light intensity, direction and time of duration may be programmed and may further include motion sensors for control of power usage. 
         [0029]    It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart having a storage area that includes height and width adjustable shelves for accommodating transportation of various equipment and voting materials. 
         [0030]    It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart having a plurality of voting trays each including a motion sensor LED light. 
         [0031]    It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart that includes an automatic motor driven/spring loaded voting tray extraction/ejection system for each of the individual voting stations. 
         [0032]    It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart that utilizes a key locking system for deploying/collapsing each of the individual voting trays in the event of a spring latch failure. 
         [0033]    It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart that incorporates a storage door access lock to prevent opening of a storage compartment door if a voting tray is in a deployed or open position. 
         [0034]    It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart that utilizes an on/off switch to control operation of the LED light for the individual voting booths/optical scanner counters. 
         [0035]    It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart that includes edge liners or bumpers to avoid scratches/damages to the paint of the unit while it is in storage or being transported to a location. 
         [0036]    It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart that includes a central power for providing power to the various electric and electronic components of the voting cart and/or voting equipment. 
         [0037]    It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart that includes at least one emergency off button for the central power system to shut down power to the voting cart and/or equipment connected to the central power system. 
         [0038]    It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart that includes a ballot collection box in the storage area of the voting cart. 
         [0039]    It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a voting cart that incorporates retractable or foldable handles to provide a compact position for storage or transportation. 
         [0040]    Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0041]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the multi-station voting cart of the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view thereof; 
           [0043]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the present invention with the voting tray(s) deployed; 
           [0044]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention with the voting trays deployed; 
           [0046]      FIG. 6  is top view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention with only one voting tray deployed and the doors open to the storage area; 
           [0048]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0049]      FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0050]      FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a ballot box; 
           [0051]      FIG. 11  is a front view of one embodiment of a ballot box; 
           [0052]      FIG. 12  is a front view of one embodiment of the present invention illustrating the doors in an open position; 
           [0053]      FIG. 13  is a front view of one embodiment of the present invention with the doors open; 
           [0054]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention with the voting booths deployed similar to  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0055]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8  with one voting booth stored away; 
           [0056]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an individual voting booth; 
           [0057]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention with one voting booth stowed away and one voting booth in a collapsed position; 
           [0058]      FIG. 18  is a front view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 19  is a left side view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0060]      FIG. 20  is a right side view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 21  is a rear view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0062]      FIG. 22  is an alternative embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0063]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the underside of the present invention; 
           [0064]      FIG. 24  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0065]      FIG. 25  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0066]      FIG. 26A  is a collapsed individual voting booth tray; 
           [0067]      FIG. 26B  is an enlarged portion of  FIG. 26A ; 
           [0068]      FIG. 27A  is a deployed individual voting booth tray; 
           [0069]      FIG. 27B  is an enlarged portion of  FIG. 27A ; 
           [0070]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0071]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the present invention with individuals using the invention; 
           [0072]      FIG. 30  is a front view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0073]      FIG. 31  is a top view of one embodiment of a six station voting cart device; 
           [0074]      FIG. 32  is a top view of one embodiment of a five station voting cart device; 
           [0075]      FIG. 33  is a top view of one embodiment of a four station voting cart device; 
           [0076]      FIG. 34  is a top view of one embodiment of an eight station voting cart device; 
           [0077]      FIG. 35  is a top view of one embodiment of a six station voting cart device; 
           [0078]      FIG. 36  is a top view of one embodiment of an eight station voting cart device; 
           [0079]      FIG. 37  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the instant invention; 
           [0080]      FIG. 38  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the instant invention; 
           [0081]      FIG. 39  is a six station voting booth device; 
           [0082]      FIG. 40  is a bottom view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 39 ; 
           [0083]      FIG. 41  is a top view of one embodiment of a 6 station voting cart device; 
           [0084]      FIG. 42  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the voting cart device; 
           [0085]      FIG. 43  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the voting cart device; 
           [0086]      FIG. 44  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a voting tray illustrated in a storage and a deployed state; 
           [0087]      FIG. 45  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a voting tray illustrated supporting a scanner device; 
           [0088]      FIG. 46  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a voting tray that includes a secondary tray in a storage and deployed state; 
           [0089]      FIG. 47  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a voting tray having sufficient width to support a scanning device and a voting area. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0090]    While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0091]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , front and rear perspective views of the multi-station voting cart  10  are illustrated. The voting cart includes a top panel  12 , side panels  14  and  16 , front panel  18 , rear panel  19  and bottom panel  21  ( FIG. 23 ). The panels are secured to a structural frame  23  that provides rigidity to the voting cart and allows the voting cart to support a substantial amount of weight. Wheels  34 , preferably castor type, are secured to the structural frame and support the cart to allow for transportation of the cart to various locations. The front  18 , side,  14 ,  16 , and rear panel  19  are each provided with tray openings  29  that are sized and shaped to allow passage of voting stations, hereinafter referred to as trays  20 . The trays  20  are mounted upon sliding tracks  22  ( FIG. 3 ) so that the trays can be slid outward to a deployed position for use as a voting station and thereafter be slid inward to a storage position within the confines of the voting cart  10 . In a most preferred embodiment, the trays are positioned at different heights amongst the different panels to provide various advantages. First, staggering the heights of the trays allows for a more compact configuration while the trays are in the storage position thereby allowing more trays  20  to be positioned around the voting cart  10 . Second, the trays may be positioned at a lower height for handicap voters, such as along the end panels as illustrated in the figures, while the remaining trays can be positioned at a suitable height for non-handicapped voters or even extremely tall or short voters providing better access to a wider variety of voters. It should also be noted that while a sliding arrangement of the voting trays are illustrated a pivotal connection of the trays could alternatively be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0092]    A tracking system  327  is provided to monitor the location of the cart. The tracking system is preferably a GPS based system but could be any other type of tracking system. The tracking system  327  can also include a tracking system for the stationeries, accessories, ballots, etc. contained within the cart. For example, an RFID tag can be placed on individual items such as stationeries, accessories, ballots, etc. or groups of items. A RFID reader would be provided in conjunction with system  327  to monitor the items with the RFID tags. A Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) system, which employs a light beam, could also be employed to monitor the items. Also, a weight sensor could be employed to monitor the items contained within the cart. The tracking system can be designed to communicate with cellular phone or a computer so that an individual can track the cart and its contents by using their cellular phone or computer. The electronic sensor which tracks all of the items within the cart is customer configurable to suit the individual needs and requirements of the customer. The central power module provides power to the ballot scanners, the GPS tracker, the electronic sensors, the electromechanical sensors, the LED light modules and other systems and accessories. The LCD screen display  86  can be used at a warehouse to provide critical data related to the ballot scanner, paper ballots, ballot boxes, election stationeries, and other accessories. 
         [0093]    Still referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a handle  55  is provided along each side to move the voting cart  10  from one place to another. In a preferred embodiment, the handle is constructed and arranged to pivot or telescope into a storage position, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . This construction permits a more compact configuration for storage and transport as well as removing obstruction to voting trays  20  positioned at the side panel position. Fenders or edge liners  334  are provided along each corner of the structural frame  23  to allow abutment of a plurality of voting carts  10  for transport or storage. The edge liners prevent marring or marking of paint on the voting cart as well as walls that may be contacted during transport or use of the voting cart. At least one, and more preferably a pair of access doors  30  are provided to access storage area  32  ( FIGS. 7-9 ) within the confines of the voting cart  10 . The access doors are provided with door key locks  28  and may further include a seal  26  that may be mechanical or electronic in nature. The seal is generally constructed and arranged to prevent entry into the storage area  32  and to provide notice if the storage area has been accessed without authorization. 
         [0094]    Still referring to  FIG. 2 , positioned at the rear portion of the voting cart  10  is a power system  102 . The power system is constructed and arranged to power all electrical requirements of the voting cart for extended periods of time and may include one or more batteries and inverter, transformer or high frequency ballast for powering the various devices. In one embodiment, a power cord  104  may be pulled outwardly from the voting cart and extended to an ordinary power outlet. In this manner, power may be easily routed to the various electrical devices utilized on the voting cart. The battery power may provide electricity to the devices in the event that power is not available at the voting site or in the event of a power outage. 
         [0095]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  26 A,  26 B,  27 A,  27 B and  28 , various embodiments of the voting tray  20  are illustrated. Each voting tray  20  may be provided with a mechanical lock  38  for securing the voting tray in a storage or deployed position. The trays may also be provided with an additional or alternative spring lock  40  that operates to prevent the trays from opening before they can be locked in position. The spring latch includes a spring loaded latch member  42  having a beveled edge  46  that cooperates with a catch aperture (not shown) as is known in the art. A release lever  44  is provided to allow easy release of individual voting trays  20 . Each voting tray  20  is preferably provided with a carrel type privacy shield  48 . The privacy shield is hingedly connected to the upper surface of the voting tray  20  so that it is movable between a storage position ( FIG. 26A ) and a deployed position ( FIG. 28 ). The rear panel  52  of the privacy shield includes fascia  54  which covers the front surface  56  of the tray  20  while in a storage position. The fascia is provided with a hand grip  62  for pulling the tray outwardly from the voting cart  10 .  FIG. 27A  illustrates pivoting the rear panel from the storage position to the deployed position wherein privacy shield side panels  58  may be pivoted about hinges  60  to their respective positions along the sides of tray  20  to provide privacy about three sides thereof Magnets, hook and loop, pins or the like may be used to retain the side panels of the privacy shield in a desired position. In at least one embodiment, the tray  20  is provided with lock pins  64  which may be mechanically or electronically connected to a central lock system  66 . The central lock may be used to release and/or deploy all trays  20  at the same time. Servo motors, stepper motors, springs, solenoids or the like may be utilized to release the pins and move the trays to a deployed position or storage position. In this manner, a user may set up the voting cart very quickly and efficiently regardless of the persons size or mechanical abilities. 
         [0096]    Referring to  FIGS. 3-6 , one configuration of the voting cart  10  is illustrated. In this embodiment, six voting trays  20  are deployed. One tray  20  at each side of the cart is positioned at a lower height for use by a handicapped individual while the remaining trays are positioned at a height for non-handicapped individuals. In this configuration, three of the trays are illustrated with users filling out the voting ballot ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) while the remaining trays are utilized for holding a scanning machine  68  for each person filling out a ballot.  FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate the voters inserting their ballots in a respective scanner machine  68  for counting after being filled out. The scanners may include a chute  70  that is constructed and arranged to direct the scanned ballot to a ballot box  72  positioned within the voter cart  10 . 
         [0097]    Referring to  FIGS. 7-13 , various embodiments of the ballot box  72  are illustrated. In particular, the storage access doors  30  are open to illustrate the ballot box  72  is located in a secure location within the voting cart  10 . A handle  74 , a latch  76  and a lock  78  are provided on the ballot box for gaining access to the interior of the ballot box and for securing the contents of the ballot box to prevent tampering with or theft of the ballots. The optical scanner  68 , illustrated in phantom, on the voting booth tray is stored adjacent the ballot box  72  within the cart when the scanner is not in use. In a most preferred embodiment, the ballot box is secured along a sliding track system  22  similar to those used for the trays  20  to allow the ballot box to be pulled inwardly and outwardly from the voting cart  10 .  FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate the door  80  of the ballot box  72  in an open position for servicing the ballot box or to collect the marked ballot papers.  FIG. 10  shows the ballot box removed from the voting cart  10  with pull out handles  74  for lifting the ballot box  72 . The ballot box is preferably provided with at least one, and more preferably three, paper ballot inlet chutes  70  which guide the marked paper ballots from the optical scanners  68  into the ballot box  72 .  FIG. 11  illustrates that the ballot box  72  could be manufactured with various heights β dependent on the customer requirements. The custom built-in ballot box is customizable to receive 8/7/6/5/4/3/2/1 inlets for ballot paper receiving.  FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate different configurations of ballot box/shelf arrangements achieved using vertically adjustable shelves  82 . The underside of the ballot box is configured to have additional storage areas. The shelves  82  are adjustable to accommodate scanners, optical scan machines, non-optical scan machines, touch screen voting machines, paper ballots, voting stationeries and accessories stored within the cart. In this manner, the internal storage area may be custom configured for each individual voting operation or cycle. 
         [0098]      FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of the voting cart of the present invention with the voting trays  20  illustrated in a deployed position. A set of instructions  84  are displayed on the back panel of each voting tray  20  along rear privacy panel shield  52 . In most instances the instructions are printed on paper for display. Alternatively, an electronic screen  86  such as an LCD screen can be provided to include the voting instructions and any other information. By utilization of the electronic screen, different instructions can be displayed. Different languages can be displayed, and graphics utilized in place of, or in conjunction with, words can be displayed. 
         [0099]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the voting cart  10  illustrated as having trays in various stages of deployment. One tray is illustrated in a storage position while another tray is illustrated as having the privacy shield in a partially deployed position wherein voting booth tray  20  is shown in an extending position with the privacy shield in an upright but closed position. As will be noted by the placement of the wheelchair  99 , side voting tray  20  is placed at a position lower than the standing position of the voting trays positioned at the front and rear of the voting cart  10 . The front fascia  54  of the tray  20  further serves as a top cover and allows placement of an active light  87  ( FIG. 16 ) for use in areas wherein the documents require illumination. The active light may utilize motion detectors, timers or the like for controlling the usage of electricity. 
         [0100]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , a perspective view of the voting tray  20  is illustrated. The voting tray  20  includes a working surface  90  with one carrel side panel  58  in a deployed position while the other carrel side panel  58  is illustrated in a storage position. From this view, the hinge  60  can be clearly seen, allowing the side panel  58  to rotate from the storage position to a deployed position which would be parallel to the left side panel  58 . As noted, the side panels  58  include a locking mechanism for maintaining the side panels  58  in a deployed position. The locking mechanism in this embodiment is a spring loaded pin  61  that can be raised to allow movement, and upon release is biased in a downward position so as to engage an aperture in the surface  90  of the tray  20 . Another mechanism that can maintain the panels in position can be the use of magnets, not shown, which are preferable if the surface  90  is made of a material that may lead to marring so as to prevent etching of the surface by improper opening and closing of the side panels. Fascia  54  can be seen with light  87  directly beneath the fascia for ease of illumination. A time adjustable, brightness adjustable and rotatable motion sensor LED light is preferably employed to illuminate each voting tray. An on/off switch  92  can be utilized to control the LED light. 
         [0101]      FIG. 17  further illustrates versatility wherein tray  20  is deployed to allow a working surface  94  on a rear surface of a rear panel privacy shield  52  of tray  20 . The trays  20  positioned at the sides of the voting cart  10  are shown in deployment at a position for ease of access by a wheelchair  99  bound individual. The trays  20  positioned at the rear of the voting cart  10  are shown in a deployed position allowing voting along the back of the booth. The front right tray  20  is shown in the closed position. 
         [0102]    Referring to  FIGS. 18-21 , plan views of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2  are illustrated.  FIG. 18  is a front view of one alternative embodiment of the cart of the present invention. The cart has left and right doors  30  for access to the interior storage area of the voting cart  10 . They are secured together with a security seal  26 . A front panel  18  includes two voting booth trays  20 . The trays include front fascia  54 .  FIG. 19  is a left side view setting forth a voting cart  10  with a handle  55  for movement of the cart as necessary.  FIG. 20  has side panel  14  with voting tray  20  and handle  55  for movement of the cart.  FIG. 21  depicts a rear view of the cart. Rear panels  19  are shown with a left and right tray  20  available for use as needed. 
         [0103]      FIG. 22  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. For proper wheelchair access, the trays  20  positioned at the sides of the voting cart are placed at an ADA compliant height (H 1 ) above the floor, allowing ease of movement for a standard wheelchair with the clearance beneath the trays. A front right tray  20  is placed a distance of (H 2 ) above the floor, and a rear tray  20  is placed (H 3 ) above the surface of the floor. The result is the use of two lower trays that allow wheelchair accessibility, a middle tray  20  placed along the middle level, and a tray  20  located at the highest level. It should also be noted that the stacking of the trays allows for compactness of the utility cart, allowing the trays to be retracted into a position allowing clearance of each tray in a recessed position. While these dimensions are preferred, any other dimensions can also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0104]    Referring to  FIG. 23 , a bottom perspective view is illustrated showing a central braking system. A central brake includes a pedal  36  connected by linkage  320  to all the wheels  34 . In this manner, an operator can depress brake pedal  36  from either side of the voting cart  10  to engage the brake on all wheels simultaneously. It should also be noted that cables or solenoids may be utilized in place of the linkage without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0105]    Referring to  FIGS. 24-25  a top perspective view of one embodiment of the voting cart is illustrated. In this embodiment, a pop out handle  55  which is used to move the cart is shown. In a deployed position, the handle is used to push, pull and turn the cart.  FIG. 25  shows handle  55  in its stowed away position when it is not in use. The stowed or storage position allows voting carts  10  to be stacked in a tighter configuration for storage or transport while providing increased safety to those walking around the cart. 
         [0106]      FIG. 29  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having a configuration of the voting cart  10  of the present invention with three (3) voting trays  20  for marking ballots and three (3) voting trays  20  utilized for optical ballot paper scanning counters. 
         [0107]      FIGS. 30 and 31  illustrate an embodiment of the present invention having a configuration of six (6) voting trays  20 . 
         [0108]      FIG. 32  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having a voting cart  10  with five (5) voting trays  20 . 
         [0109]      FIG. 33  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having a cart  10  with four (4) voting trays; the trays of this embodiment being wider than those shown in prior embodiments. 
         [0110]      FIG. 34  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having a cart  10  with eight (8) voting trays  20 . 
         [0111]      FIG. 35  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having a cart  10  with three (3) voting trays  20  arranged for use in filling out voting ballots and three (3) voting trays  20  being utilized for holding optical paper ballot scanning. 
         [0112]      FIG. 36  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention having a cart  10  with five (5) voting trays  20  and three (3) voting trays being utilized for optical paper ballot scanning devices. 
         [0113]      FIG. 37  illustrates an embodiment wherein the voting tray is constructed to have sufficient width to be utilized for filling out a voting ballot in area  96  and containing optical scanner  68  onto one single tray  20 . These trays are constructed the same as the narrow trays but simply include a different width. In this manner, the voter can fill out a ballot and place the ballot into the scanner device  68  without the need for transporting the filled ballot to a different location. 
         [0114]      FIG. 38  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the voting cart  10 . In this embodiment, the trays  20  on the front and rear of the voting cart are constructed to include sufficient width to have ballot marking area  96  and optical scanning counter  68  arranged horizontally in line within a single tray  20 . The side trays  20  are constructed and arranged to include a secondary tray  98  which preferably includes sliding tracks  22 . This configuration provides a ballot marking area  96  and optical scanner unit  68  arranged vertically in line within a single voting tray. Secondary privacy shields  100  are provided to extend the side panel privacy shields  58 . 
         [0115]      FIG. 39  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the voting cart  10 . In this embodiment, each of the voting trays  20  are provided with the secondary trays  98  and the secondary side shields  100  which allow the ballot area  96  and the optical scanner unit counter to be positioned on single tray  20 . The additional secondary tray and privacy shields can be adjusted with varying lengths with respect to the scanner unit table as illustrated in  FIG. 39  a Y (gamma-varying length). 
         [0116]      FIG. 40  illustrates an underside of  FIG. 39  with the additional secondary voting trays  98 . The additional voting booth is used as a paper ballot marking table and it slides independently underneath the tray as shown. 
         [0117]      FIG. 41  is a top view illustrating the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 39-40 . 
         [0118]      FIGS. 42 and 43  illustrate operation of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 39-41 . In this embodiment, voters can fill in their ballot utilizing the ballot area  96 , as illustrated in  FIG. 42 , and thereafter they may slide the secondary tray  98  underneath the primary tray  20  to provide better access to the optical scanning device  68  as illustrated in  FIG. 43 . 
         [0119]    An electronic sensor system  329  is provided on the cart to monitor the stationeries, accessories, etc. contained within the cart. This helps to assure that all the necessary equipment, stationeries, accessories, etc. are in the cart prior to it being deployed. 
         [0120]    All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0121]    It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
         [0122]    One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.