Dimpled chad means there is an indent in the chad but no clean hole has been punched. Related Information Herman Hollerith Herman Hollerith invented a punchcard tabulation machine system for statistical computation. Herman Hollerith used a punched card device to help analyze the US census data of 1880. In 1896, Hollerith founded the Tabulating Machine Company to make and sell his invention. The company became part of IBM in 1924.
Voters record their choices by filling in the rectangle, circle or oval, or by completing the arrow.
After voting, the voters either place the ballot in a sealed box or feed it into a computer-tabulating device at the precinct. Marksense technology has existed for decades and been used extensively in such areas as standardized testing and statewide lotteries. Although marksense systems are often referred to as optical scan systems, marksense technology is only one of several methods for recognizing marks on paper through optical reading techniques. They are an electronic implementation of the old mechanical lever systems. The voter directly enters choices into electronic storage with the use of a touch-screen, push buttons, or similar device.