How to Vote Using Punchcards

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:VoteUsingPunchcards
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How to Vote Using Punchcards

Introduction

When you vote using punchcards, you are using a voting method that has been around for decades. This method has recently been under scrutiny because punchcards that are not completely punched out all the way through are rejected by polling officials. Therefore, when using punchards to vote, it is imperative that you follow the instructions completely to avoid rejection of your ballot.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Vote Using Punchcards

Steps

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Step One

Go to your polling station location and show your voter registration card along with a valid form of identification. Your polling location will be typed at the bottom of the voter registration card that you received in the mail. If you have registered, but do not have your card, contact your local County Clerk's office to find out where to vote.
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Step Two

Let your polling official lead you to a privacy booth. There they will hand you the punchcard and an envelope called a "vote recorder." The punchcard should slide in and match up perfectly. There should also be a metal device or a stylus attached to the envelope that you will use to punch out serrated circles to vote.
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Step Three

Vote by holding the punchcard vertically and poking straight through the card for each candidate or issue you choose. Be sure that the stylus or metal device punches out the paper completely. Threads of paper left hanging will not be counted and the ballot will be rejected.
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Step Four

Slide the card out of the envelope when you are finished casting your votes. If there are spots on the ballot that offer the opportunity to write in a candidate, then now is the time to do so.
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Step Five

Take the punchcard ballot to the precinct official or a poll worker. They will check it for you to be sure that all holes are completely punched out and then they will slide the card into a voting machine that will tabulate your votes. If you have over-voted, the machine will return the ballot and you have the choice to leave, having your votes not count, or to get a new punchcard and start over again.

Overall Tips & Warnings

  • Remember that you can only be registered to vote in one county at a time.
  • Ask for help if you are having trouble. Poll workers are trained and qualified to make sure that you are given the opportunity to have your voice heard during an election.
  • Over-voting is when a voter casts votes for more than one candidate at a time. Under-voting is when there are no votes for certain open positions or issues. Under-voting is deliberate, but over-voting is usually accidental.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Voter registration
  • Polling station location
  • Identification
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