Patent AU-2016101566-A4 (AU)
Title: A System for Voting at Polling Places using Computer Equipment
Inventor: VICKERY PETER NORMAN
IPC: G07C13/00
Filed: 2016-09-05
Granted: 2017-02-09
Abstract: Abstract An electronic voting system using computer equipment for use at Polling Places comprising: a single polling place processor and multiple polling place voter computer workstations; a polling officer managed computerised electoral roll operated from a single polling place processor; and a polling officer managed computerised electronic nation-wide electoral roll. a QR ("Quick Response") coded key generator capable of generating and printing multiple 'one use' QR coded keys for voters which is capable of storing limited information in relation to a voter (only containing information as to the electorate in which the voter is entitled to vote and the preferred language for system operation advised by the voter); and a QR coded key programmed to activate a polling place workstation computer, and provide the limited information and instructions to a polling place workstation computer and which is programmed to de-activate and be securely stored after one use. an electronic voting booth with a Polling Place computer workstation comprising a QR enabled computer activator device (with a secure storage compartment for used QR coded keys), a workstation computer and screen, a mouse computer controller and a desk mounted 'call for support' button; a workstation computer which includes a processor to store and generate electronic notices; a facility to receive instructions and data to control operation of the computer screen; and contains a memory for storing electronic notices; a computer mouse controller which enables a voter to key voting instructions into the computer workstation processor; a memory for securely storing the voting instructions of a voter; and a facility via a secure modem to transmit data derived from completed ballot papers to the single polling place processor to be transmitted further via a secure modem for counting at a central counting place in accordance with pre-programmed rules and instructions to be transmitted further via a secure modem for counting at a central tally room. ballot papers capable of being completed and filed electronically at a Polling Place computer workstation by a use of a computer mouse controller in accordance with pre-programmed rules and instructions; a Polling Place computer workstation computer with a facility to receive instructions and data to control operation of the Polling Place computer workstation processor in relation to a Ballot Paper; and a memory for storing pre-programmed instructions as to the Ballot Paper completion process. a system to minimise informal votes and provide an opportunity for a voter to correct an informal Ballot Paper before filing a vote. a system to store completed Ballot Papers electronically in an archive for later printing to hard copy to create an audit trail and a facility for review by scrutineers if deemed necessary. a facility for a a single polling place processor to store the electronic information transmitted from a Polling Place computer workstation computer derived from a completed Ballot Paper; a facility to securely via a modem, by encryption and other means, transmit the collected data electronically through a system controller via a communications interface and peripheral devices to instantly and progressively populate a centralized compilation and counting processor according to pre-programmed rules and instructions, and then for further like secure transmission via a modem to a central tally room or data base for counting in accordance with pre-programmed rules and instructions; and a memory for storing pre-programmed instructions as to the storage and transmittal process. a system designed for use by disabled voters with audio instructions provided to assist sight impaired electors. a system to provide for instructions to be given electronically in different preferred languages, thereby not disenfranchising non-English speaking voters. a data collection system to store relevant election data (but not data as to the identity of any voter). Page 3 of 4 House of Representatives Ballot Paper State Electoral Division of Division Name Number the boxes from I to 8 in the order of your choice SURNAME, Given Names iNDEPENDENI WWO SURNAME Given Names PAM , - : -SURNAME, Gven Names 6 SURNAME, Given Names SURNAME Given Names suRNAME Given Names SURNAME Given Names N SURNAME Given Names !WN 7 Remember - number every box to make your vote count Page 3 of 4