Digital Pen Voting Information Page

Digital Pen Voting is provided by Penvote.  For more details, visit www.penvote.com.

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   1. How it Works
   2. Q and A with Chris Wilson on Digital Pen Voting
   3. Q and A Part 2 with Chris Wilson on Digital Pen Voting (added 8/5/2007)
   4. To see Sample Results screen, Click Here, and to see the Ballot Image, Click Here.
    5. To See a YouTube Video of Digital Pen Voting !!
   6. To see PenVote's new product, TabTracker, Click Here.
                                                                                                                  Logitech Pen in Cradle

                         
The use of digital paper holds great promise for voting in America.  Right now we are witnessing a turn away from the DRE voting device, and a return back to Optical Scan.  People often forget that optical scanners have been used in elections for many years.  If you think of it, there is no product that competes with optical scan; until now.   Instead of moving back 20 years, we think it's time to move forward.  Keep in mind this fact: this is a PAPER based system and is NOT A DRE.

Digital paper (from Anoto) consists of paper that contains thousands of tiny dots.  Those dots are then read by a digital pen.  The pen writes in ink and also knows where it is on the paper.  The pen contains a small sensor that records the locations; think of it as GPS for paper. 

After writing on the paper, the digital pen is placed into a cradle and the data is downloaded to an application.  For example, your handwriting can be converted to text and the text placed in a Microsoft Word document.  You can also check off a box and the information that you have written will create an email or a to-do list.  For voting, it knows if a circle or box has been checked in or filled in, much like optical scan. After the pen is docked a screen appears showing how the marks were interpreted.  Click Here to see Sample. However, it is possible to show an image of the ballot on a computer screen, and even enlarge it to determine voter intent!!  Click to see the ballot image from the above results (note, resolution has been reduced for easy loading).  Voting with a Digital Pen is not a form of DRE and don't be confused by those who make such claims.  It is a paper-based voting system first and foremost.

The use of Digital Paper in elections is an idea whose time has come.  Think of the benefits:

1. Digital Paper is very low cost compared to OpScan paper (regular paper can be used).
2. You can print ballots internally at your own office (read: Ballot on Demand).
3. Paper doesn't have to be stored in environmentally protected areas (humidity, etc. are not factors).
4. The voter is provided with a natural and familiar interface--ink on a page!
5. The paper ballot is retained for hand counting in re-counts and for other audits.
6. Each voting station contains a pen and cradle; so votes are "recorded" in the 'booth'.
7. You can use your old punch card booths--no need for expensive DREs (except the disabled voters).
8. No need for an expensive precinct optical scanner.
9. Can be used in early voting states, or in-house absentee voting.
10. Easy integration with vendors who already have ballot creation software/end of night tabulation systems and
      election night website output.

And unlike Optical Scan, we show the voter how their marks were read by the system before they cast their vote!!

See a comparison between Digital Pen Voting and Optical Scan  Oh, and unlike Optical Scan, we can also accommodate full ballot face printing, along with ballot booklet designs too!!!