Patent ID: 6971574

Claim:
A method of utilizing a data processor to produce a voting record comprising the steps of: (a) recording a set of individual ballot choices of a voter along with a voter identification number; (b) providing a group of code numbers, one code number to be assigned for each possible potential voter choice that can exist for a substantial number of voter ballots; (c) assigning code numbers to each individual ballot choice made by a particular voter and recording in said data processor a particular composite code value for said particular voter that is a function of and indicates the voter's set of choices; (d) enabling issuance of a receipt to said particular voter bearing said voter identification number along with said composite code value; (e) enabling submission of said receipt upon voter request to an administrator for challenging authenticity of said voter's choices recorded on said receipt and upon submission of the receipt, causing the data processor to compare a particular retrieved composite code value recorded on said receipt with a previously recorded particular composite code value associated with said voter identification number in accordance with step (c); (f) registering a mismatch between the particular retrieved composite code value recorded on the receipt with the previously recorded particular composite code value associated with said voter identification number compared in accordance with step (e), indicating a compromised vote; and (g) repeating steps (a) and (c)–(f) for each individual voter.