Patent ID: 7641116

Claim:
An envelope for use in containing and authenticating a ballot comprising: a containment region dimensioned for receipt of a ballot; a pre-defined area on the back of the envelope; a flap portion outside said pre-defined area for sealing the containment region, said flap portion including a first sealing means in a region above said pre-defined area and a second sealing means in a region below said pre-defined area; a window cover substantially in registration with said pre-defined area for obscuring said pre-defined area in a first operative configuration, and for revealing said pre-defined area in a second operative configuration, said window cover defined by a pre-cut section of the area of said flap portion between said first and second sealing means in a width wise direction of the envelope and including an open slit in one end of the pre-cut section dimensioned for receiving at least one mechanical opening finger as the envelope moves through an automated window cover opening machine to remove said window cover wherein said pre-defined area is uncovered and revealed; and means for re-obscuring said pre-defined area after the pre-defined area has been revealed, whereby the ballot remains sealed during said pre-defined area obscured, revealed and re-obscured configurations.