Paper ballots are used as the primary voting system in small communities and rural areas and often for absentee balloting in other jurisdictions. On mechanical voting machines, the name of the candidate or ballot issue choice is assigned a particular lever in a rectangular array on the front of the machine. A set of printed strips identifies the lever assignment for each candidate and issue choice. Lever machines are no longer made and are rapidly being replaced by computer-based Marksense or direct recording electronic systems. Marksense employs a ballot card on which candidates and issue choices are printed next to an empty rectangle, circle, oval or an incomplete arrow.
Voters record their choices by filling in the space or by completing the arrow.
Ballots are either placed in a ballot box or fed into a computer at the precinct. Marksense systems use is on the rise. Voters punch holes in the cards opposite their candidates or issue choices. Ballots are either placed in a box or fed into a computer at the precinct. Many jurisdictions are switching from punch-card systems to more advanced Marksense or direct recording electronic systems.