FIELD

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and methods for collecting and counting of votes.

BACKGROUND

Many elections are decided based on manual counting of ballot slips by people. These elections may be for governments or may be for unions, organizations, or businesses. Voters typically place a paper ballot with a candidate or party name printed thereon into an envelope and then place the envelope into a ballot box. Privacy is an essential element of such elections and the envelope is typically formed of an opaque material so that the ballot therein cannot be seen.

When the voting period is complete the ballot box is opened, the envelopes are opened, and the ballots are manually “hand counted”. The manual counting process is open to errors, manipulation and fraud as the counters can count incorrectly or insert additional ballots during the counting process. In spite of these issues, hand counting is still favored in many countries and organizations since it is perceived as more secure that electronic voting systems.

It would therefore be desirable to include a separate independent vote counting mechanism for verifying that the hand count is accurate and for highlighting potential manipulation of voting.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to a system and method for vote counting. A code-based vote counting system includes ballots including one or more codes as well as a candidate identifier printed on the ballot, a voting envelope with a slot having openings on both sides of the envelope aligned for viewing the ballot code via either side, a code reader for scanning codes, and a central analyzer for receiving scanned code data. Advantageously, Advantageously, the ballot need only have printing of the code and candidate identifier on one side (no need for double sided printing) since slots are provided on both sides of the envelope, the double sided slot may be positioned on one edge of the envelope to avoid having to line up the slot with a printed code on a ballot that is inserted into the envelope such as would be the case if the slot was positioned away from the edge. In the present disclosure, it is not necessary to fold the ballot before inserting it into the envelope.

In use, the ballot is inserted into the voting envelope such that the code is visible through the slot even when the envelope is closed. The code is then scanned by a scanner device prior to the voter placing the envelope into the ballot box. The manual (hand) vote count then proceeds as normal while the code vote count is summed based on the scanned codes transmitted to the central analyzer. The manual count can then be compared to the code count to detect irregularities that can then be investigated.

The system and method disclosed herein provides multiple benefits not provided by current systems including:

• Preventing vote counting errors or manipulation by enabling comparison of the hand vote count to the code vote count;

• Enables continued use of the hand count system;

• No need for extensive electronic hardware per voting station;

• Ensuring voter privacy by randomizing the codes used;

• Preventing manipulation by randomizing the codes used;

• In some embodiments, the code vote count uses portable scanners that do not require electricity or Internet during the voting period;

• Fast summing of result counts for early prediction of election results.

In some embodiments, a voting system includes: a plurality of ballots, each ballot including at least one candidate code and a candidate identifier, wherein the candidate code corresponds to the candidate identifier; a plurality of envelopes each including at least one slot, the slot being a dual-sided slot including openings on both sides of the envelope; wherein the at least one candidate code is visible through the at least one slot when the ballot is inserted into the envelope. In some embodiments, the system further includes one or more scanners adapted for scanning and storing the at least one code visible through the at least one slot to form a scanned code. In some embodiments, the dual sided slot is positioned on an edge of the envelope

In some embodiments, the system further includes an analyzer in data communication with the one or more scanners and adapted to receive scanned codes from the one or more scanners. In some embodiments, the analyzer is adapted for converting scanned codes into code votes and for counting the code votes. In some embodiments, the analyzer is adapted for determining code vote time spacing per zone, code votes per candidate per time period, and codes used per period.

In some embodiments, the at least one slot is covered by a transparent material. In some embodiments, the candidate identifier is used for hand counting of the ballots. In some embodiments, a code type of the at least one code is selected from the group consisting of: a cryptographic code, 2 dimensional code, numeric code, barcode, QR (quick response) code, Bokode, Aztec Code, Data Matrix, CueCat, Microsoft® Tag, PDF417 (stacked barcode), Semacode, ShotCode, Touchatag, SPARQCode, SQR codes, Maxicode, and a combination of the above.

In some embodiments, the envelope has longer side dimensions of between 16 and 22 cm and shorter side dimensions of between 10 and 16 cm.

In some embodiments, a method for operating an election includes: providing a plurality of the voting system described above; by a voter, inserting a ballot into an envelope; scanning by a scanner of a candidate code on the ballot visible through the slot on the envelope to form a code vote; and by an analyzer in data communication with the one or more scanners and adapted to receive scanned codes from the one or more scanners, counting code votes received from the scanner to form a code count.

In some embodiments, the method further includes counting the ballots by hand to form a hand count; and comparing the hand count and the code count. In some embodiments, the scanner includes a delay period between successive scans to prevent repeated fraudulent use. In some embodiments, a scanner is provided per zone. In some embodiments, the scanners periodically upload records of scanned codes to the analyzer. In some embodiments, the scanners upload records of scanned codes at the end of the voting process to the analyzer. In some embodiments, the scanners upload records of scanned codes to the analyzer following each scan.

In some embodiments, where the scanners store scanned codes, the order of the stored codes is randomized. In some embodiments, an unseen vote is recorded by scanning an unseen vote code.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. Implementation of the method and system of the present disclosure may involve performing or completing certain selected tasks or steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of preferred embodiments of the method and system of the present disclosure, several selected steps may be implemented by hardware (HW) or by software (SW) on any operating system of any firmware, or by a combination thereof. For example, as hardware, selected steps of the disclosure could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software or algorithm, selected steps of the disclosure could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In any case, selected steps of the method and system of the disclosure could be described as being performed by a data processor, such as a computing device for executing a plurality of instructions.

Although the present disclosure is described with regard to a “computing device”, a "computer", or “mobile device”, it should be noted that optionally any device featuring a data processor and the ability to execute one or more instructions may be described as a computing device, including but not limited to any type of personal computer (PC), a server, a distributed server, a virtual server, a cloud computing platform, a cellular telephone, an IP telephone, a smartphone, a smart watch or a PDA (personal digital assistant). Any two or more of such devices in communication with each other may optionally form a "network" or a "computer network".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects, embodiments and features disclosed herein will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Like elements may be marked with like numerals in different figures, where:

FIGS. 1 A-1E show exemplary illustrations of voting envelopes and ballot slips according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary block diagram of a system for collecting scanned code votes according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a method for an election using scanned code votes according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to a system and method for vote counting. Referring to the figures, FIGS. 1A-1E show exemplary illustrations of voting envelopes and ballot slips according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1 A, a voting envelope 110 may include a closing flap 112 and a cutout slot 114. Flap 112 may have the triangular shape as shown but can be any suitable shape. A ballot 120 includes a printed candidate identifier 122 including a symbol and/or text indicating a candidate in an election to be contested using the ballot, and one or more candidate codes 124 printed on the ballot 120. In some embodiments, candidate identifier 122 and candidate code 124 are printed on only one side of the ballot 120. Ballot 120 is printed such that candidate code 124 is positioned so as to be visible through slot 114.

The candidate identifier 122 is printed as in any other election and will thus be familiar in size, position, and layout to voters. The term candidate as used herein may include any of a person or party or organization or a combination of these competing in the election process. Code 124 is here shown as a barcode but this should not be considered limiting. Code 124 is optionally any one of but is not limited to a alphanumeric code, two-dimensional code, cryptographic code, barcode, QR (quick response) code, Bokode, Aztec Code, Data Matrix, CueCat, Microsoft® Tag, PDF417 (stacked barcode), Semacode, ShotCode, Touchatag, SPARQCode, SQR codes, Maxicode, and so forth. In some embodiments, a combination of codes can be used. In some embodiments, code 124 is printed twice as shown in FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, code 124 is printed more than twice.

Ballot 120 and envelope 110 are sized such that ballot 120 fits snugly into envelope 110. Ballot 120 is inserted into envelope 110 by lifting up closing flap 112 and sliding ballot 120 into envelope 110. In some embodiments, closing flap 112 includes an adhesive for adhering closing flap 112 in a closed position once a ballot 120 has been placed into envelope 110. It should be appreciated that once ballot 120 is inside envelope 110, code 124 is visible through slot 114 but candidate identifier 122 is not visible as envelope 110 is formed of an opaque material such that voter privacy is ensured. As shown in FIGS. 1B-1E, slots 114 are positioned and candidate codes 124 are printed on ballot 120 such that one or more of codes 124 are visible through slot 114 no matter how ballot 120 is inserted into envelope 110. Slot 114 is open on both sides of envelope 110 such that code 124 is visible through slot 114 no matter which way ballot is inserted into envelope 110. As shown in FIGS. 1B-1E, slot 114 may be positioned on an edge 111 of envelope 110 or may form the edge 111 of envelope 110. This positioning obviates the need to line up a printed code 124 with a slot positioned away from the edge 111. It should be appreciated that inserting a ballot 120 fully into the envelope 110 for showing the code through the slot 114 is made simpler by positioning the slot 114 on an edge 111. The edge 111 used may be a long or short edge of envelope 110.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, slot 114 is covered with a transparent material 116 such that envelope 110 is closed but code 124 is still visible in closed envelope 110. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1B, slot 114 is shown as spanning the entire width of envelope 110. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1C-1E, slot 114 is shown as occupying only a portion of the entire width or length of envelope 110. Alternate embodiments of envelope 110 are shown in FIGS. 1A-1E. The envelope 110 of FIGS. 1 A-1C includes a slot 114 opposite closing flap 112.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1C, slot 114 is covered with a transparent material 116 such that envelope 110 is closed but code 124 is still visible in closed envelope 110. In the embodiment of FIG. ID, slot 114 is on the side adjacent to closing flat 112. In the embodiment of FIG. IE, two slots 114A and 114B are placed on opposite sides of envelope 110 on the sides adjacent to closing flap 112. The embodiments of FIGS. ID and IE include open slots 114 without any transparent covering. Further embodiments are contemplated including positioning of slot 114 or multiple slots 114 in other parts of envelope 110 and the embodiments shown should not be considered limiting. Combinations of the illustrated envelopes are contemplated, and the illustrations should not be considered limiting.

In some embodiments, envelope 110 has longer side dimensions of between 16 and 22 cm and shorter side dimensions of between 10 and 16 cm.

Code 124 is a coded and/or cryptographic representation of the candidate identifier 122. In some embodiments, each ballot 120 used in the electoral system includes a unique code 124. In some embodiments, multiple codes 124 are created per candidate identifier 122 in an electoral system and randomly reused on multiple ballots 120. The aim is to provide enough unique codes 124 on ballots 120 so that a human observer is not able to distinguish one code 124 from another code 124 and thus discern what ballot 120 has been placed inside an envelope 110 by looking at code 124 visible through slot 114. A further aim is that codes 124 should be difficult to generate or duplicate.

In use, ballot 120 is inserted into envelope 110 such that code 124 is visible through slot 114 even when the envelope 110 is closed by closing flap 112. The visible code 124 is then scanned by a scanner device 130 (FIG. IB) prior to the voter placing envelope 110 into a ballot box 132 (not shown to scale). In some embodiments, scanner device 130 is portable device. In some embodiments, scanner device 130 is a handheld device. In some embodiments, scanner 130 is activated such as by pushing trigger 134 to scan code 124. In some embodiments, scanner 130 is mounted (not shown) on ballot box 132 such that codes 124 placed into ballot box 132 inside envelopes 110 are scanned automatically as they are dropped into ballot box 132. In some embodiments, scanner includes a delay period between successive scans to prevent repeated fraudulent use.

Reference is made to FIG. 2 showing an exemplary block diagram of a system for collecting scanned code votes according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2, the election takes place in several zones 44. Each zone 44 may be a voting station, or voting booth. A scanner 130 is provided at each zone 44 to scan codes 124 of ballots 120 inside envelopes 110 prior to voters placing envelopes 110 containing ballots 120 into ballot boxes 132. Scanners 130 are in wired or wireless encrypted data communication with an analyzer 140 which is a computing device such as a server or distributed server or cloud server. In some embodiments, scanners 130 periodically upload records of scanned codes 124 to analyzer 140. In some embodiments, scanners 130 upload records of scanned codes 124 at the end of the voting process to analyzer 140. In some embodiments, scanners 130 include removable local storage 136 that can be backed up. In some embodiments, scanners 130 upload records of scanned codes 124 to analyzer 140 following each scan. In some embodiments, where scanners 130 store scanned codes, the order of codes stored is randomized to prevent reconstruction by a human observer of the votes made per voter based on order of voting. Reference is made to FIG. 3 showing a flowchart of a method for an election using scanned code votes according to some embodiments. Process 300 provides a method for running an election using a traditional hand count method combined with a code count that can be used to verify the result of the hand count. In step 302 ballots 120 are printed with candidate identifiers 122 and codes 124 as described above.

In step 304 during the election, each voter inserts a ballot 120 labelled with their chosen candidate identifier 122 into an envelope 110. This step usually takes place behind a screen or divider such that no one can see what ballot 120 has been placed into the envelope 110.

In step 306, prior to the insertion by the voter of the ballot containing envelope 110 into the ballot box 132, the code 124 that is visible through one of slots 114 is scanned using scanner 130, either automatically or by a person manning the scanner 130 or by the voter holding the envelope/ballot in front of the scanner. In some embodiments, where a voter has, intentionally or unintentionally, inserted ballot 120 in such a way such that code 124 is not visible through slot 114, such as by folding ballot 120, an “unseen vote” code can be scanned or input into scanner 130 so as to record that a vote was made that could not be scanned. The unseen vote code can be poisoned near the scanning position to allow it to be scanned instead of the non- visible code.

In some embodiments, the scanners 130 and analyzer are operated by an impartial 3 ^rd party. As above, it should be appreciated that no person other than the voter knows what ballot 120 has been placed into envelope 110 since the code 124 that is visible may be one of many tens to millions of possible codes and is thus not intelligible to a human observer. Scanner 130 records the code or records a translation of the code into an alphanumeric or cryptographic identifier. In some embodiments, scanner 130 has no means to convert the scanned code into the related candidate identifier 122 or candidate name.

In step 308, the voter inserts envelope 110 into ballot box 132. In some embodiments, where the scanner is mounted in or on the ballot box, the code is scanned automatically at this stage. In step 310, following completion of the voting period, ballot boxes 132 are opened, envelopes 110 are opened, and hand counting of the ballots 120 proceeds as normal until results are determined for each zone 44. Zone counts are then added up and are usually passed on to a central counting station for total counting of all votes in the election.

In step 312, the codes 124 scanned by the scanner 130 are transmitted to the analyzer 140. As above, the transmittal may take place after each scan, periodically or at the close of voting. The transmittal includes an indication of the zone 44 of the scanner such that accumulated code votes can be attributed to a specific zone (voting booth or station). In some embodiments, scanned codes are also transmitted with timestamp information indicating the time/date the code was scanned.

Analyzer 140 analyzes the received codes and converts these into their corresponding candidate identifiers 122 or candidate names to form “code votes”. In some embodiments, scanner 130 and/or the 3 ^rd party operating the scanners has no means to convert the scanned code into the related candidate identifier 122 or candidate name and code votes are assigned to an interim group identifier of related codes that can be translated into candidate identifiers only by an authorized election committee or body running the election. It should be appreciated that no link can be made between the voter and the code vote and thus candidate identifier 122 or candidate that the voter chose and thus voter privacy is ensured. The code votes are then counted up by analyzer 140 per zone 44 and then per geographic area by combining code votes from other zones 44 to thereby reach an election result in a relatively short amount of time compared to the hand count - the time taken being determined by processor time to convert and sum all of the code votes.

Analyzer 140 also determines voting trends such as code vote time spacing per zone, code votes per candidate per time period, codes used per period, and so forth and then flags any suspicious voting patterns, such as sudden large increases in votes using a specific code (indicating abuse of the scanner 130 to repeatedly scan the same ballot 120), or large numbers of votes for a candidate near poll closing time.

In step 314 the hand count of step 310 and the code vote count of step 314 are compared per zone 44 and/or geographic zones and/or the entire election area. Where the comparison indicates discrepancies, these can then be investigated in step 316. Further, recounts can be performed quickly of the code count when required as part of the election process for comparing to hand recounts.

It should be understood that where the claims or specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference is not to be construed as there being only one of that element. While this disclosure describes a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of such embodiments may be made. The disclosure is to be understood as not limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by the scope of the appended claims. It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present disclosure.