Optical Scan
Optical Scan: A voting system that can scan paper ballots and tally votes.
Also known as: Optical Scan, Optical Scan System
Definition
A voting system that can scan paper ballots and tally votes. Most older optical scan systems use Infrared (IR) scanning technology and ballots with timing marks to accurately scan the ballot. Newer (digital) optical scan systems can also capture images of ballots as they are tabulated.
Alternative Definitions
- Definition 2
See Marksense.
- Definition 3
Voting system that tabulates votes marked in contest option positions or contained within a barcode on the surface of a paper ballot.
- Definition 4
A voting system in which voters mark paper ballots that are counted by scanner devices. Voters generally indicate their selections by filling in an oval, completing an arrow, or filling in a box.
- Definition 5
Voting system that tabulates votes marked in contest option positions or contained with a barcode on the surface of a paper ballot.
- Definition 6
“‘Optical scan’ means a procedure in which votes cast on a paper ballot are tabulated by means of examining marks made in voting response locations on the ballot with an optical reader.” N. D. C. C. §16-1-06-12(8). Also MARKSENSE.