The DS200 Ballot Scanner system is a portable electronic
voting system that uses an optical scanner to read marked paper ballots and
tally the results. This system allows
for paper ballots to be immediately tabulated at your polling site. It also notifies you of any voting
errors. You will be able to immediately
correct these errors to ensure that Your Vote Counts!
Using a Paper Ballot
Paper Ballot Completion Demonstration
Your county has selected the DS200 ballot Scanner to read
and tabulate your ballot. Here is the
general process used for completing your paper ballot before scanning it.
After checking in at your polling site, an Inspector
provides you with a paper ballot and a privacy sleeve.
The privacy sleeve is used to shield your completed
ballot from view.
You also receive a special marking pen to use to complete
your ballot. Make sure you only use this pen when filling out your ballot. The
ballot scanner may not correctly register your vote choices made with any other
type of marking device.
You will be directed to a booth or area where you can complete
your ballot in privacy.
If you haven’t voted before with a paper ballot, make
sure to ask the inspector for a demonstration.
Our inspectors are trained to show you how to fill in the
ballot and process it on the scanner and are always happy to help.
The paper ballot has voting instructions, office titles,
candidates, and/or issues for this election printed on both sides.
Make sure to mark every contest by completely filling in
the oval to the upper right of the name of the candidate or issue of your
choice.
Do not use an 'X' or other notation."
The marking pen is not erasable, so don’t try to erase or
cross out a choice after it has been made.
Do not make stray marks on the ballot.
You should also avoid rolling or folding the ballot.
If you make a mistake or damage the ballot, return it to
the Inspector for a replacement. Be aware that a limited number of replacement
ballots is allowed.
You can also include write-in candidates. Fill in the oval next to the words “WRITE-IN”
and write the candidate’s name on the line.
After voting, insert the ballot into the privacy
sleeve. The Inspector will direct you to
the DS200 Ballot Scanner.
Scanning Instructions
Paper Ballot Scanning Instruction
Once your ballot is completed, it is time to scan it.
Scanning your ballot in the DS200 is easy. But, remember, if you need assistance; don’t
hesitate to ask your helpful inspector.
Many elections provide on-screen messages in multiple
languages. In this case, select the language of your choice by touching the
corresponding button on the display screen.
The ballot may be inserted into the ballot slot in any
orientation.
If you have any questions regarding your ballot, please
ask an Inspector for clarification before inserting your ballot into the DS200.
After inserting your ballot, check the display screen to
see if there are any error messages.
If the ballot message is Blank Ballot or Over Voted
Ballot, press Don’t Cast — Return on the touch screen to get the ballot back to
make changes.
If you’d like to submit your ballot as-is, select Cast
Ballot on the touch screen.
If the ballot is damaged and not accepted by the scanner,
return it to the Inspector for replacement.
To complete the process and cast your ballot, press the
Cast Ballot button.
The display screen notifies you when your ballot has been
cast successfully.
Your ballot is stored in the secure ballot box.