Every Vote Counts - A Look at Voting Machine Patents

During the 1700's in the United States, oral elections were conducted. The states later switched to written ballots, requiring the voters to sign their ballots. Some citizens, however, feared that others might react negatively if they voted as they wished. States began using secret ballots so that each voter could choose or vote freely with anonymity. Learn more about the history of voting machines. Photo: Ballot Punchcard