These systems allow election officials to manage and conduct elections for public offices and measures. There are five types of voting systems currently used in the United States. Results are hand tabulated. The paper ballot is mainly used in rural jurisdictions with fewer than 2,000 registered voters. Lever Machines Voters indicate their selections by pulling levers on a large mechanical machine.
Individual machines record their own totals on odometer-like devices on the back of the machine.
Machines are totaled manually. Punchcard Ballots Voters punch holes in a standard IBM punchcard using one of two different kinds of hole punches. Tabulation is done by high speed card readers. Optical Scan Ballots Voters mark their choice on a specially printed paper ballot with a pencil of a unique marking device. Tabulation is done by optical mark scanners.