Optical Mark Recognition

Optical Mark Recognition (omr) Device in Election Law

A scanner that can read specific marks in a defined set of locations on a page. The computer software used by an OMR scanner is programmed to recognise the meaning of the various marks and to convert scanned images into computer-readable data, using the location of those marks. As an example, voters using machine-readable ballots are given a ballot paper with the names of candidates printed on it. Next to each candidate is a printed symbol, such as a rectangle, circle or incomplete arrow. The voter indicates his or her choice of candidate by filling in the appropriate rectangle or circle or by completing the arrow. After voting, the voter may feed the ballot directly into a computer vote tabulating device at the polling station. Alternatively, the voter may place it in a ballot box, which is later transported to a central location for tabulation. The computer tabulating device identifies the marks made by voters and records votes accordingly.

Resources

See Also

• Election Law
• Electoral Laws
• Electoral Legislation