It is also used in barcode readers, which are in widespread use in retailing, stock taking, libraries and schools. Apart from voting systems, there are other potential applications for OMR technology. In Australia, for example, OMR systems are used to scan electoral rolls marked in polling places to indicate the names of electors who have voted. This permits Australian electoral authorities to automate the enforcement of Australia's compulsory voting system, as well as identify any instances of multiple voting. OMR barcode systems are also used extensively for mailing applications.
Many postal authorities place barcodes on mail to automate the delivery process.
Some countries have mail systems that allow users to print address barcodes on mail, so that postal authorities can process the mail without having to print barcodes in their mail-rooms, thereby creating a discount for the user. Electoral authorities are also making use of barcodes on mail. As barcodes can identify both the name and address of the voter, they can be used by electoral authorities to process the mail when it is returned. This is particularly useful for postal ballots to automate the recording of voter names. These barcodes can also be used where addressed mail is returned 'not known at this address' in order to capture those details for electoral roll update purposes.