VOTING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

• US 20100153190A1
• Filed: 03/01/2010
• Published: 06/17/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jeffrey A. Matos
• Original Assignee: Jeffrey A. Matos
• Inventors: MATOS, JEFFREY A.
• Granted Patent: US 9,928,510 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/12
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/4014 Identity check for transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 13/00 Voting apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus and system for casting votes electronically comprises both a host server and a plurality of voting machines at various remote locations. First “user identifying information” for a plurality of potential users who are registered to use the system is pre-stored in memory, either at the host server or at a voting machine, or both. Second “user identifying information” is entered by a user of the voting machine at the time the user wishes to vote. A display on the voting machine presents to the user voting information concerning at least one voting matter for which the user is to make a voting selection. A processor in either the host server or the voting machine, or both, compares the second user identifying information entered by the user of the voting machine with the first user identifying information, if any, previously stored in memory. The user of the voting machine is authorized to make a voting selection on the voting matter if the first and second user identifying information relating to this user are substantially similar. When a voting selection is made by an authorized user of the voting machine, the processor in the host server counts it as a vote. In this way, only users authorized to cast a vote are allowed to vote and the voting selections from all such authorized users who cast a vote are counted.

Claims

1. A system for casting votes electronically at a plurality of remote locations, said system comprising, in combination:

(1) a host server comprising;

(a) a first processor;

(b) a first memory, coupled to the first processor, for storing first application software and data including voting selections entered in voting machines by a plurality of users who have submitted a vote;

(c) a first communication device, coupled to the first processor, for transmitting and receiving data to and from second communication devices in such voting machines at remote locations;

(2) a plurality of voting machines at remote locations, each comprising;

(a) a second processor;

(b) a second memory, coupled to the second processor, for storing second application software and data including second user identifying information about a user of the voting machine who wishes to vote;

(c) a second communication device, coupled to the second processor, for transmitting and receiving data to and from the first communication device in the host server;

(d) a first display, coupled to the second processor, for displaying voting information presented by the second processor to a user of the voting machine;

(e) a first input device, coupled to the second processor, for receiving voting selections from the user of the voting machine and presenting such voting selections to the second processor; and

(f) a second input device, coupled to the second processor, for receiving additional information from the user and presenting such information to the second processor;

wherein first user identifying information for a plurality of potential users who are registered to use the system are stored in at least one of said first and second memory;

wherein said second input device is adapted to receive second user identifying information entered by the users of the voting machine;

wherein the first display presents voting information concerning at least one voting selection to the users of the voting machine;

wherein at least one of said first and second application software controls, respectively, said first and second processor to compare said second user identifying information about each user of the voting machine with said first user identifying information, if any, previously stored in at least one of said first and second memory;

wherein a user of the voting machine is authorized to cast a vote on said voting selection if the first and second user identifying information relating to such authorized user are substantially similar;

wherein the first processor counts the voting selections made by each authorized user of the voting machine;

thereby assuring that only users authorized to cast a vote are allowed to vote and counting the voting selections from all such authorized users who cast a vote.

2. The system defined in claim 1, wherein:

(a) said first user identifying information is stored in said second memory;

(b) said second processor is operative to compare said second user identifying information with said stored first user identifying information;

(c) if said first user identifying information and said second user identifying information are substantially similar, said second processor is operative to generate a first authorized user signal; and

(d) in response thereto, said second communication device is operative to transmit such authorized user voting selections to said first communication device.

3. The system defined in claim 1, wherein:

(a) said first user identifying information is stored in said first memory;

(b) said second processor is operative to cause said second communications device to transmit both (i) the voting selection of each said user, and (ii) said respective user'"'"'s second identification information to said host server; and

(c) said first processor is operative to compare said second user identifying information with said stored first user identifying information;

(d) if said first user identifying information and said second user identifying information are substantially similar, said first processor is operative to count said voting selection of such authorized user.

4. The system defined in claim 1, wherein:

(a) said first user identifying information is stored in said first and said second memory;

(b) said second processor is operative to compare said second user identifying information with the first user identifying information stored in said second memory;

(c) if said first user identifying information stored in said second memory and said second user identifying information are substantially similar, said second processor is operative to generate a provisional authorized user signal;

(d) in response thereto, said second communication device is operative to transmit said authorized user voting selections to said first communication device;

(e) said first processor is operative to compare said second user identifying information with the first user identifying information stored in said first memory; and

(f) if said first user identifying information stored in said first memory and said second user identifying information are substantially similar, said first processor is operative to count said voting selection of such authorized user;

thereby to utilize both the first and the second processor to determine authorized users.

5. The system defined in claim 1 wherein:

(a) said first user identifying information is stored in said first memory;

(b) said second processor is operative to cause said second communications device to transmit said respective user'"'"'s second identification information to said host server;

(c) if said first user identifying information and said second user identifying information are substantially similar, said first processor is operative to generate a second authorized user signal;

(d) in response to said second authorized user signal, said first communication device is operative to transmit a third authorized user signal to said respective voting machine; and

(e) in response to said third authorized user signal, said respective second processor is operative to cause said second communication device to transmit said respective voting selection of the authorized user to said host server.

6. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said host server further comprises a web server for communication access to the Internet.

7. The apparatus defined in claim 6, wherein the web server provides an interactive web site to the Internet.

8. The system defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of said voting machines is selected from the group comprising:

(a) a desktop computer,

(b) a laptop computer,

(c) a handheld computer,

(d) a hard-wired telephone,

(e) a portable telephone,

(f) a hand-held telephone, and

(g) a cellular telephone.

9. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said host server further comprises an electronic clock;

wherein said first processor is operative to generate a first confirmation message following receipt of a vote command entered by an authorized user, said message indicating at least one of;

(a) the voting selection, (b) the time at which the vote was cast, (c) the date on which the vote was cast, (d) voter identifying information about the user, and (e) information which identifies the voting machine used by the user.

10. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said host server further comprises an electronic clock;

wherein said first processor is operative to generate a first non-confirmation message following receipt of a voting selection entered by a non-authorized user, said message indicating at least one of;

(a) the voting selection, (b) the time at which the vote was cast, (c) the date on which the vote was cast, (d) voter identifying information about the user, and (e) information which identifies the voting machine used by the user.

11. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said voting machine comprises an electronic clock;

wherein said second processor is operative to generate a second confirmation message following entry of a voting selection by an authorized user, said message indicating at least one of;

(a) the voting selection, (b) the time at which the vote was cast, (c) the date on which the vote was cast, (d) voter identifying information about the user, and (e) information which identifies the voting machine used by the user; and

wherein said second communication device transmits said confirmation message to said first communication device.

12. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said voting machine comprises an electronic clock;

wherein said second processor is operative to generate a second non-confirmation message following entry of a voting selection by a non-authorized user, said message indicating at least one of;

(a) the voting selection, (b) the time at which the vote was cast, (c) the date on which the vote was cast, (d) voter identifying information about the user, and (e) information which identifies the voting machine used by the user; and

wherein said second communication device transmits said confirmation message to said first communication device.

13. The system defined in claim 1, wherein:

(1) said second input device is a camera, and

(2) said second voter identifying information about the user includes an image of at least one of;

(a) a face,

(b) a fingerprint,

(c) a palm print,

(d) a retinal pattern,

(e) an iris pattern, (f) a face and a torso of said user,

(g) a face, a torso and a hand of said user, and

(h) a signature of the user.

14. The system defined in claim 13, wherein said camera allows said second processor to store in said second memory a series of substantially consecutively acquired images of a user during the process of voting, each image showing contiguous regions of each of:

(a) the face,

(b) the torso, and

(c) the hand of said user as it inputs at least one of (i) said user'"'"'s signature, and (ii) said user'"'"'s vote, thereby;

(1) to verify that said face, torso and hand each belong to the same user, and

(2) to verify that the voting selection has been made by said user.

15. The system defined in claim 14, wherein the image of said face further comprises an image of at least one of (i) an iris, and (ii) a retinal image of said user.

16. The system defined in claim 13, wherein said camera allows said second processor to store in said second memory a series of substantially consecutively acquired images of a user during the process of voting, each image showing contiguous regions of each of:

(a) at least one of a fingerprint and a palm print, and

(b) a hand of said user as it inputs said user'"'"'s vote;

thereby;

(1) to verify that said hand and at least one of said fingerprint and said palm each belong to the same user, and

(2) to verify that the voting selection has been made by said user.

17. The system defined in claim 13, wherein said camera allows said second processor to store in said second memory a series of substantially consecutively acquired images of a user during the process of voting, each image showing contiguous regions of each of:

(a) at least one of a fingerprint and a palm print, on a first hand of said user,

(b) the torso and arms of said user, and

(c) another hand of said user as it inputs at least one of (i) said user'"'"'s signature, and (ii) said user'"'"'s voting selection;

thereby

(1) to verify that said other hand and at least one of said fingerprint and said palm each belong to the same user, and

(2) to verify that the voting selection has been made by said user.

18. The system defined in claim 1, wherein:

(1) said second input device is a microphone, and

(2) said second voter identifying information includes at least one of;

(a) a voiceprint, and

(b) a sample of speech spoken by the user.

19. The system defined in claim 1, wherein:

(1) at least one user possesses an implanted identifying device, implanted in the body of said user, said implanted identifying device being operative to generate said second voter identifying information, and

(2) said second input device is operative to communicate with said respective implanted identifying device.

20. The system defined in claim 19, wherein said implanted identifying device is at least one of:

(a) a passive radiofrequency identifying device, and (b) an active radiofrequency identifying device.

21. The system defined in claim 19, wherein said implanted identifying device samples and determines the base sequence of at least one (a) at least one segment of the deoxyribonucleic acid of the user, and (b) at least one segment of the ribonucleic acid of the user.

22. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said second processor is operative to allow said user to cast a vote on said voting selection only if said second user identifying information about the respective person wishing to vote is received at a moment in time which is within a prescribed time interval from a moment in time at which said user enters each voting selection to said first input device;

thereby assuring that the source of said second user identifying information about the respective person wishing to vote, and the source of said voting selection are identical.

23. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said first processor is operative to allow said user to cast a vote on said voting selection only if said second user identifying information about the respective person wishing to vote is entered at a moment in time which is within a prescribed time interval from a moment in time at which said user enters each voting selection to said first input device;

thereby assuring that the source of said second user identifying information about the respective person wishing to vote and the source of said voting selections are identical.

24. The system defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second application software controls, respectively, said first and second processor to compare said second user identifying information to said first user identifying information, if any, previously stored in at least one of said first and second memory;

wherein the user of the system is authorized to use the system if the first and second user identifying information are substantially similar.

25. The system defined in claim 24, wherein said host server further comprises:

(a) a first host server input device, coupled to said first processor, for entering text information about a person who wishes to become an authorized user of the system; and

(b) a second host server input device, coupled to said first processor, for entering biologic identifying information about said person who wishes to become an authorized user of the system; and

wherein said first processor is operative to store said text information and said respective biologic identifying information, in said first memory;

thereby to store said first user identifying information pertaining to such authorized users of the system in said first memory.

26. The system defined in claim 25, wherein said first processor is operative to cause said first communication device to send the first user identifying information stored in said first memory to said second communication device in said voting machine for storage in said second memory.

27. The system defined in claim 25, wherein said first processor is operative to store said text information, and said respective biologic identifying information, in said first memory, if and only if said respective text information is entered at a moment in time which is within a prescribed time interval from a moment in time at which said respective biologic identifying information is entered.

28. The system defined in claim 25, wherein said person is at least one of:

(a) a person who wishes to vote;

(b) a person who wishes to register persons who wish to vote;

(c) a person who wishes to serve as a witness to a vote;

(d) a person who wishes to serve as a witness to a registration process;

(e) a person who wishes to enter voting information;

(f) a person who wishes to enter information related to the voting information;

(g) a person who wishes to have access to information stored in at least one of said first memory and said second memory; and

(h) a person who wishes to service the system;

29. The system defined in claim 25, wherein said biologic identifying information includes at least one of:

(a) an image of a face of the person,

(b) an image of at least one fingerprint of the person,

(c) an image of a palm print of the person,

(d) an image of a retinal pattern of the person,

(e) an image of an iris pattern of the person,

(f) an image of the person showing both the face and the torso of the person,

(g) a voiceprint of the person,

(h) a sample of speech spoken by the person, and

(i) a sequence of names of consecutive bases from a DNA sample of the person.

30. The system defined in claim 25, wherein said host server further comprises a registration confirmation input device, coupled to said first processor, for producing a registration confirmation signal in response to a command from a registration person, whereby said registration person inputs such registration confirmation command to said registration confirmation input device if said entered text information identifies the person who is the source of said biologic information;

wherein said registration confirmation signal causes said first processor to store said respective text information and said respective biologic identifying information as respective first user identifying information;

thereby to store in said first memory, said first user identifying information pertaining to such authorized users of the system that have been registered by said registration person.

31. The system defined in claim 30, wherein:

(a) said host server further comprises a first registration information transfer input device, coupled to said first processor, for producing a first registration information transfer signal in response to a command from a registration person located at said host server; and

(b) said first registration information transfer signal causes said first processor to cause said first communication device to send the first user identifying information stored in said first memory to said second communication device in said voting machine for storage in said second memory.

32. The system defined in claim 30, wherein said first processor is operative to store first user identifying information of said registration person comprising (i) text information pertaining to said registration person, and (ii) biologic identifying information pertaining to said registration person, in association with the first user identifying information of said authorized user.

33. The system defined in claim 30, wherein said host server second input device is a camera, and wherein said camera is oriented to obtain at least one image which includes both:

(a) at least one of (i) the face, (ii) the hand and (iii) the torso of the registration person, and

(b) at least one of (i) the face, (ii) the hand and (iii) the torso of a person who wishes to become an authorized user of the system.

34. The system defined in claim 30, wherein said host server second input device is a camera, and wherein said camera is oriented to obtain at least one image which includes at least two of:

(a) at least one of (i) the face, (ii) the hand and (iii) the torso of the registration person,

(b) at least one of (i) the face, (ii) the hand and (iii) the torso of a person who wishes to become an authorized user of the system, and

(c) at least one of (i) the face, (ii) the hand and (iii) the torso of a person who wishes to be a witness to the registration process.

35. The system defined in claim 24, wherein said second input device is adapted

(a) for entering text information about a person who wishes to become an authorized user of the system;

and

(b) for entering biologic identifying information about a person who wishes to become an authorized user of the system; and

wherein said second processor is operative to store said text information and said respective biologic identifying information, in said second memory;

thereby to store said first user identifying information pertaining to such authorized users of the system in said second memory.

36. The system defined in claim 35, wherein said second processor is operative to cause said second communication device to send the first user identifying information stored in said second memory to said first communication device in said host server for storage in said first memory.

37. The system defined in claim 35,

wherein said second processor is operative to store said text information, and said respective biologic identifying information, in said second memory, if and only if said respective text information is entered at a moment in time which is within a prescribed time interval from a moment in time at which said respective biologic identifying information is entered;

thereby to store said first user identifying information pertaining to such authorized users of the system in said second memory.

38. The system defined in claim 35, wherein said person is at least one of:

(a) a person who wishes to vote;

(b) a person who wishes to register persons who wish to vote;

(c) a person who wishes to serve as a witness to a vote;

(d) a person who wishes to serve as a witness to a registration process;

(e) a person who wishes to enter voting information;

(f) a person who wishes to enter information related to the voting information;

(g) a person who wishes to have access to information stored in at least one of said first volatile memory and said second volatile memory; and

(h) a person who wishes to service the system.

39. The system defined in claim 35, wherein said biologic identifying information includes at least one of:

(a) an image of a face of the person,

(b) an image of at least one fingerprint of the person,

(c) an image of a palm print of the person,

(d) an image of a retinal pattern of the person,

(e) an image of an iris pattern of the person,

(f) an image of the person showing both the face and the torso of the person,

(g) a voiceprint of the person,

(h) a sample of speech spoken by the person, and

(i) a sequence of names of consecutive bases from a DNA sample of the person.

40. The system defined in claim 35, wherein at least one of said voting machines further comprises a registration confirmation input device, coupled to said second processor, for producing a registration confirmation signal in response to a command from a registration person, whereby said registration person inputs such registration confirmation command to said registration confirmation input device if said entered text information identifies the person who is the source of said biologic information;

wherein said registration confirmation signal causes said second processor to store said respective text information and said respective biologic identifying information as respective first user identifying information;

thereby to store in said second memory said first user identifying information pertaining to such authorized users of the system that have been registered by said registration person.

41. The system defined in claim 40, wherein:

(a) at least one of said voting machines further comprises a second registration information transfer input device, coupled to said second processor thereof, for producing a second registration information transfer signal in response to a command from a registration person located at said respective voting machine; and

(b) said second registration information transfer signal causes said second processor to cause said second communication device to send the first user identifying information stored in said second memory to said first communication device in said host server for storage in said first memory.

42. The system defined in claim 40, wherein said second processor is operative to store first user identifying information of said registration person comprising (i) text information pertaining to said registration person, and (ii) biologic identifying information pertaining to said registration person, in association with the first user identifying information of said authorized user.

43. The system defined in claim 40, wherein said voting machine second input device is a camera, and wherein said camera is oriented to obtain at least one image which includes both:

(a) at least one of (i) the face, (ii) the hand and (iii) the torso of the registration person, and

(b) at least one of (i) the face, (ii) the hand and (iii) the torso of a person who wishes to become an authorized user of the system.

44. The system defined in claim 40, wherein said voting machine second input device is a camera, and wherein said camera is oriented to obtain at least one image which includes at least two of:

(a) at least one of (i) the face, (ii) the hand and (iii) the torso of the registration person,

(b) at least one of (i) the face, (ii) the hand and (iii) the torso of a person who wishes to become an authorized user of the system, and

(c) at least one of (i) the face, (ii) the hand and (iii) the torso of a person who wishes to be a witness to the registration process.

45. The system defined in claim 24, wherein said voting machine second input device is a camera, and wherein said camera is oriented to obtain at least one image which includes both of:

(a) at least one of (i) the face, (ii) the hand and (iii) the torso of a person who wishes to use the voting machine to vote, and

(b) at least one of (i) the face, (ii) the hand and (iii) the torso of a person who wishes to be a witness to the voting process.

46. The system defined in claim 25, wherein said host server further comprises a video monitor coupled to said first processor and wherein:

(a) said voting machine second input device is a voting machine camera, oriented to obtain at least one image which includes at least one of (i) the face, (ii) the hand and (iii) the torso of a person obtained while said person is inputting a voting selection;

(b) said first host server input device is further operative to allow for the entry of (i) text information about a person who wishes to serve as a witness to a voting selection at a voting machine (ii) text information entered by such witness, affirming that said witness observed on said video monitor, the inputting of the voting selection by such voting person; and

(c) said second host server input device is a video camera which is oriented to image at least one of (i) the face, (ii) the hand and (iii) the torso of said person who wishes to serve as a witness to a voting selection at a voting machine, obtained at substantially the same time as said voting selection; and

(d) at least one of said first processor and said second processor is operative to store, in association, in at least one of said first memory and said respective second memory each of;

(i) said text information and said respective biologic identifying information about the witness, obtained at the time of a witnessed voting selection,

(ii) the affirming text information of said witness,

(iii) said at least one image obtained of the voting event,

(iv) said voting selection, and

(v) said second voter identification information;

thereby to store said witness information, voter information and a corresponding voting selection, all in association, in at least one of said first memory and said second memory.

47. The system defined in claim 25, wherein said host server further comprises a video monitor coupled to said first processor and wherein:

(a) said voting machine second input device is a voting machine camera, oriented to obtain at least one image which includes at least one of (i) the face, (ii) the hand and (iii) the torso of a person obtained while said person is inputting a voting selection;

(b) said second processor causes said second communications device to transmit said at least one image obtained during said voting selection to said first communications device for display by said video monitor at said host server;

(c) said first host server input device is further operative to allow for the entry of text information about a person who wishes to serve as a witness to a voting selection at a voting machine;

(d) said second host server input device is video a camera which is oriented to obtain at least one image which includes both of;

(I) said transmitted image of a voting selection event, displayed on said video monitor; and

(II) at least one of (i) the face, (ii) the hand and (iii) the torso of said person who wishes to serve as a witness to a voting selection at a voting machine, obtained at substantially the same time as said voting selection;

(e) said first processor is operative to store, such composite image of said voting selection event and said witness;

thereby to provide evidence that said witness has witnessed said voting selection event.

48. The apparatus defined in claim 1, further comprising a first voting information input device, coupled to said first processor, for entering the voting information into said first memory.

49. The apparatus defined in claim 1, further comprising a second voting information input device, coupled to said second processor, for entering the voting information into said second memory.

50. The system defined in claim 1, wherein:

(a) said additional information comprises a proposed matter including at least one of;

(i) a proposal for new legislation by a user,

(ii) a proposal for a referendum by a user, and

(iii) a proposal to reconcile different versions of previously voted upon legislation;

(b) said second processor is operative to allow a user of the voting machine to submit provisional voting information comprising a proposed matter if said first and second user identifying information relating to such authorized user are substantially similar;

(c) said second communication device is operative to transmit such provisional voting information to said first communication device, if said user is an authorized user;

(d) said first processor is operative to store said provisional voting information in said first memory and to cause said first communication device to transmit said provisional voting information to a fraction of voting machines;

(e) said first processor is operative to count the voting selections of the authorized users of said fraction of voting machines who are authorized to vote, in favor of, and opposed to said provisional voting information, thereby to determine the voting position of a sample of authorized users;

(f) if the percentage of said sample of authorized users whose voting selection was in favor of said proposed matter, is greater than a given value, said first processor is operative to cause said first communication device to transmit said proposed matter as voting information to all of said voting machines, for voting by all authorized users who wish to vote;

whereby said proposed matter becomes voting information only if a plurality of sampled voters vote in favor of the proposed matter;

thereby to allow authorized users to determine the content of said voting information.

51. The system defined in claim 1, wherein:

(a) said additional information comprises a proposed matter including at least one of;

(i) a proposal for new legislation by a user,

(ii) a proposal for a referendum by a user, and

(iii) a proposal to reconcile different versions of previously voted upon legislation;

(b) said second processor is operative to allow a user of the voting machine to submit provisional voting information comprising a proposed matter if said first and second user identifying information relating to such authorized user are substantially similar;

(c) said second communication device is operative to transmit such provisional voting information to said first communication device, if said user is an authorized user;

(d) said first processor is operative to store said provisional voting information in said first memory and to cause said first communication device to transmit said provisional voting information to each voting machine;

(e) said first processor is operative to count the voting selections of the authorized users, in favor of, and opposed to said provisional voting information;

(f) if the number of said authorized users whose voting selection was in favor of said proposed matter, is greater than a given value, said first processor is operative to cause said first communication device to transmit said proposed matter as voting information to said voting machines;

whereby said proposed matter becomes voting information only if the number of authorized voters who vote in favor of the provisional voting information exceeds a given number;

thereby to allow authorized users to determine the content of said voting information.

52. The system defined in claim 1, wherein:

(1) said voting information concerns legislative body decisions to be determined by voting, and to be applied to a legal jurisdiction;

(2) a plurality of states have been established within the jurisdiction;

(3) at least one voting district has been established within each state, each state and each district having a plurality of residents residing within the respective state and district;

(4) a direct voting legislative branch has been established whose powers include voting on legislative body decisions to ensure that the will of the users is known and acted upon in a substantially real-time basis, said legislative branch comprising the authorized users who are residents of the jurisdiction;

said legislative branch comprising a first unit and a second unit, said first unit for determining a first voting position of the authorized users who are residents of each respective state, said second unit for determining a second voting position of the authorized users who are residents of each respective district;

(5) an executive branch has been established which comprises a plurality of officers including a President whose powers include the nomination of certain judges, the proposal of legislative body decisions and the veto of legislative body decisions;

(6) a judicial branch has been established to interpret the laws of the jurisdiction, said judicial branch comprising a plurality of justices and judges;

(7) each of a plurality of said authorized users may cast votes in favor of, or against a proposed legislative body decision;

(8) said first processor is operative to;

(a) for each district, count the respective district vote by counting the authorized user voting selections in the respective district to determine the number of votes in favor of, and the number of votes against the proposed legislative body decision;

(b) for each state, count the respective state vote by counting the authorized user voting selections in the respective state to determine the number of votes in favor of, and the number of votes against the proposed legislative body decision; and

(c) determine whether the proposed legislative body decision is to be accepted in dependence upon;

(i) whether the number of district votes counted in favor of the proposed legislative body decision, multiplied by one hundred, divided by the total number of district votes counted is greater than a prescribed percentage; and

(ii) whether the number of state votes counted in favor of the proposed legislative body decision, multiplied by one hundred, divided by the total number of state votes counted is greater than a prescribed percentage.

53. The system defined in claim 52, wherein said jurisdiction is the United States of America.

54. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said host server further comprises a first legislator input device coupled to said first processor;

wherein;

(1) said voting information concerns a legislative body decision to be determined by voting, and applied to a legal jurisdiction;

(2) a plurality of states have been established within the jurisdiction;

(3) at least one voting district has been established within each state, each state and each district having a plurality of residents residing within the respective state and district;

(4) two senators are selected for each state who are entitled to vote on legislation on behalf of the residents in each senator'"'"'s respective state;

(5) a representative is selected for each district who is entitled to vote on legislation on behalf of the residents in that representative'"'"'s respective district;

(6) authorized users have been registered to vote within each district in each state;

(7) the vote of each said senator in favor of, or against a proposed legislative body decision by a plurality of said senators representing their respective states is inputted via said first legislator input device;

(8) the vote of each said representative in favor of, or against the proposed legislative body decision by a plurality of said representatives representing their respective districts is inputted via said first legislator input device;

(9) the vote of authorized users in favor of, or against the proposed legislative body decision by a plurality of authorized users is inputted via said respective first input devices;

(10) said first processor is operative to;

(a) count the senator'"'"'s votes to determine a final senate majority vote in favor of, or against the proposed legislative body decision;

(b) count the representative'"'"'s votes to determine a final representative majority vote in favor of, or against the proposed legislative body decision;

(c) count the authorized user'"'"'s votes, if any, to determine the number of authorized user votes in favor of, and the number of authorized user votes against the proposed legislative body decision, thereby to determine a final authorized user majority vote in favor of, or against the legislative body decision; and

(6) generate a signal which indicates whether the proposed legislative body decision is to be accepted in dependence upon the final senate majority vote, the final representative majority vote and the final authorized user majority vote in favor of, or against the legislative body decision.

55. The system defined in claim 54, wherein said jurisdiction is the United States of America.

56. The system defined in claim 54, further comprising:

(3) a plurality of senator voting machines at remote locations, each comprising;

(a) a third processor;

(b) a third memory, coupled to the third processor, for storing third application software and data including at least one of (i) first senator identifying information comprising identifying information of a senate user who has previously registered to vote, and (ii) second senator identifying information about a user of the senator voting machine who wishes to vote;

(c) a third communication device, coupled to the third processor, for transmitting and receiving data to and from the first communication device in the host server;

(d) a second display, coupled to the third processor, for displaying voting information presented by the third processor to a respective senator;

(e) a third input device, coupled to the third processor, for receiving commands from the respective senator and presenting such commands to said third processor; and

(f) a fourth input device, coupled to the third processor, for receiving said second senator identifying information and presenting such information to the third processor;

wherein at least one of said first and third application software controls, respectively, said first and third processor, to compare said second senator identifying information received by the fourth input device, to said first senator identifying information, if any, previously stored in at least one of said first and third memory;

wherein the second display presents information concerning at least one voting selection to the senator;

wherein the senator is authorized to cast a vote on said voting selection by entering at least one vote command into the third input device, if the first and second senator identifying information are substantially similar;

wherein the third communication device transmits the vote command, specifying the voting selection, if entered by the authorized senator, to the first communication device;

wherein said first legislator input device is further coupled to said first communication device for receiving vote commands from an authorized senator, and for their conveyance to said first processor; and

wherein the first processor counts and stores the voting selections specified by the respective senator vote commands received from said voting machines; and

(4) a plurality of representative'"'"'s voting machines at remote locations, each comprising;

(a) a fourth processor;

(b) a fourth memory, coupled to the fourth processor for storing fourth application software and data including at least one of (i) first representative information comprising identifying information of a representative user who has previously registered to vote and (ii) second representative identifying information about a user of a representative voting machine who wishes to vote;

(c) a fourth communication device, coupled to the fourth processor, for transmitting and receiving data to and from the first communication device in the host server;

(d) a third display, coupled to the fourth processor, for displaying information presented by the fourth processor to a respective representative;

(e) a fifth input device, coupled to the fourth processor, for receiving commands from the respective representative and presenting such commands to said fourth processor; and

(f) a sixth input device, coupled to the fourth processor, for receiving said second representative identifying information and presenting such information to the fourth processor;

wherein at least one of said first and fourth application software controls said first and fourth processor, respectively, to compare second representative identifying information received by the sixth input device, to said first representative identifying information, if any, previously stored in at least one of said first and fourth memory;

wherein the third display presents information concerning at least one voting choice to the representative;

wherein the representative is authorized to cast a vote on said voting selection by entering at least one vote command into the fifth input device, if the first and second representative identifying information are substantially similar;

wherein the fourth communication device transmits the vote command, specifying the voting selection, if entered by the authorized representative, to the first communication device;

wherein said first legislator input device is further coupled to said first communication device for receiving vote commands from an authorized representative, and for their conveyance to said first processor; and

wherein the first processor counts and stores the voting selection specified by the respective representative vote commands received from said voting machines;

thereby assuring that only authorized senators are allowed to vote as senators, only authorized representatives are allowed to vote as representatives, and counting the votes from all authorized senators and authorized representatives who cast a vote.

57. The system defined in claim 1, wherein:

(1) said voting information concerns legislative body decisions to be determined by voting, and applied to a legal jurisdiction;

(2) a plurality of states have been established within a legal jurisdiction;

(3) at least one voting district has been established within each state;

(4) each state and each voting district comprise a plurality of residents residing within the respective state and district;

(5) a government has been established to govern said legal jurisdiction comprising;

(a) an elected legislative branch whose powers include voting on proposed legislation, said legislative branch comprising;

(i) two senators selected for each state who are entitled to vote in a senate vote on legislation on behalf of the residents in each senator'"'"'s respective state, and

(ii) a representative selected for each district who is entitled to vote in a representative vote on legislation on behalf of the residents in that representative'"'"'s respective district;

(b) an executive branch to execute the laws of the jurisdiction among other powers and responsibilities, said executive branch comprising a plurality of officers including a President whose powers include;

(i) the nomination of certain judges,

(ii) the proposal of legislation, and

(iii) the veto of legislation accepted by the elected legislative branch, provided that a second senate vote and a second representative vote do not reverse said veto;

(c) a judicial branch to interpret the laws of the jurisdiction, said judicial branch comprising a plurality of justices and judges; and

(d) a direct voter branch to ensure that the will of the users is known and acted upon in a substantially real-time basis, said direct voter branch comprising authorized users who have been registered to vote within each district and in each state;

(6) each of a plurality of said authorized users may cast votes in favor of, or against a proposed legislative body decision;

(7) said first processor is operative to;

(a) count the authorized user voting selections to determine the number of authorized users in favor of, and the number of authorized users against the proposed legislative body decision; and

(b) determine whether the proposed legislative body decision is accepted by the direct voter branch in dependence upon the counted authorized user votes in favor of, or against the issue.

58. The system defined in claim 57, wherein said jurisdiction is the United States of America.

59. The system defined in claim 1, wherein:

(1) said voting information concerns a legislative body decision to be determined by voting, and applied to a legal jurisdiction;

(2) a government has been established to govern said legal jurisdiction comprising;

(a) a direct voting legislative branch whose powers include voting on proposed legislative body decisions to ensure that the will of the users is known and acted upon in a substantially real-time basis, said legislative branch comprising authorized users who have been registered to vote on legislation on behalf of the residents of the jurisdiction;

(b) an executive branch which comprises a plurality of officers including a President whose powers include;

(i) the nomination of certain judges,

(ii) the proposal of legislative body decisions, and

(iii) the disapproval of legislative body decisions;

(c) a judicial branch to interpret the laws of the jurisdiction, said judicial branch comprising a plurality of justices and judges;

(3) each of a plurality of said authorized users may cast authorized user votes in favor of, or against a proposed legislative body decision;

(4) said first processor is operative to;

(a) count the authorized user voting selections to determine the number of votes in favor of, and the number of votes against the proposed legislative body decision; and

(d) determine whether the proposed legislative body decision is accepted by the legislative branch in dependence upon the counted authorized user votes in favor of, or against the legislative body decision.

60. The system defined in claim 59, wherein said jurisdiction is the United States of America.

61. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said host server further comprises a second legislator input device coupled to said first processor;

wherein;

(1) said voting information concerns a legislative body decision to be determined by voting, and applied to a legal jurisdiction;

(2) a plurality of voting districts have been established within the jurisdiction, each district having a plurality of residents residing within the respective district, and each district may cast one district vote for the purpose of determining legislative body decisions;

(3) wherein a representative from each district is selected who is entitled to vote on proposed legislative body decisions on behalf of a plurality of the residents in that representative'"'"'s respective district; and

(4) authorized users who have been registered within each district may vote on said proposed legislative body decisions;

(5) the vote of each said representative in favor of, or against a proposed legislative body decision by a plurality of said representatives representing their respective districts is inputted via said second legislator input device;

(6) the vote of each of a plurality of said authorized users in favor of, or against the proposed legislative body decision is cast in at least one district;

(7) said first processor is operative to

(a) count the authorized user votes in said at least one district to determine the number of authorized user votes in favor of, and the number of such votes against the proposed legislation in that district;

(b) count the district vote as in favor of the same choice as that supported by the representative'"'"'s vote in a given district, unless the number of authorized users in the given district voting differently than did the representative of that district exceeds a given number for that district, in which case the district vote shall be counted as in favor of the choice opposite that supported by the representative'"'"'s vote; and

(c) determine whether the proposed legislative body decision is to be accepted in dependence upon whether the number of district votes counted in favor of the proposed legislative body decision, multiplied by one hundred, divided by the total number of district votes counted is greater than a prescribed percentage.

62. The system defined in claim 61, further comprising a plurality of said voting machines at remote locations, each assigned to a representative and comprising:

(a) a fifth processor;

(b) a fifth memory, coupled to the fifth processor for storing fifth application software and data including at least one of (i) first representative information comprising identifying information of a representative user who has previously registered to vote and (ii) second representative identifying information about a user of a representative voting machine who wishes to vote;

(c) a fifth communication device, coupled to the fifth processor, for transmitting and receiving data to and from the first communication device in the host server;

(d) a fourth display, coupled to the fifth processor, for displaying information presented by the fifth processor to a respective representative;

(e) a seventh input device, coupled to the fifth processor, for receiving commands from the respective representative and presenting such commands to said fifth processor; and

(f) an eighth input device, coupled to the fifth processor, for receiving said second representative identifying information and presenting such information to the fifth processor;

wherein at least one of said first and fifth application software controls said first and fifth processor, respectively, to compare second representative identifying information received by the eighth input device, to said first representative identifying information, if any, previously stored in at least one of said first and fifth memory;

wherein the fourth display presents information concerning at least one voting choice to the representative;

wherein the representative is authorized to cast a vote on said voting selection by entering at least one vote command into the seventh input device, if the first and second representative identifying information are substantially similar;

wherein the fifth communication device transmits the vote command, specifying the voting selection, if entered by the authorized representative, to the first communication device;

wherein said second legislator input device is further coupled to said first communication device for receiving vote commands from an authorized representative, and for their conveyance to said first processor; and

wherein the first processor counts and stores the voting selection specified by the respective representative vote commands received from said voting machines;

thereby assuring that only authorized representatives are allowed to vote as representatives, and counting the votes from all authorized representatives who cast a vote.

63. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said host server further comprises a third legislator input device coupled to said first processor;

wherein;

(1) said voting information concerns a legislative body decision to be determined by voting, and applied to a legal jurisdiction;

(2) a plurality of voting districts have been established within the jurisdiction, each district having a plurality of residents residing within the respective district, and each district may cast one district vote for the purpose of determining legislative body decisions;

(3) a representative from each district is selected who is entitled to vote on proposed legislative body decisions on behalf of the residents in that representative'"'"'s respective district; and

(4) authorized users who have been registered within each district may vote on said proposed legislative body decisions;

(5) the vote of each of a plurality of said representatives in favor of, or against a proposed legislative body decision is inputted via said third legislator input device, to reflect the position of each said representative;

(6) the vote of each of a plurality of said authorized users in favor of, or against the proposed legislative body decision is cast, in a respective district;

(7) said first processor is operative to;

(a) count the authorized user votes in each district in which authorized user votes are cast to determine the number of votes in favor of, and the number of votes against the proposed legislative body decision in that district;

(b) determine the number of oppositional authorized user votes as those authorized user votes which are in opposition to the position represented by said representative in a given district;

(c) determine the anti-representative fraction of the district vote as the number of oppositional authorized user votes divided by the number of residents in the given district;

(d) determine the pro-representative fraction of the district vote as the fraction whose numerator is (i) the number of residents in the given district minus (ii) the number of oppositional authorized user votes and whose denominator is the number of residents in the given district;

(e) count the fraction of the district vote in favor of the legislative body decision in the given district as (i) the pro-representative fraction of the district vote, if said district representative voted in favor of said legislative body decision and as (ii) the anti-representative fraction of the district vote, if said district representative voted against said legislative body decision; and

(f) count the fraction of the district vote against the legislative body decision in the given district as (i) the pro-representative fraction of the district vote, if said district representative voted against said legislative body decision and, as (ii) the anti-representative fraction of the district vote, if said district representative voted in favor of said legislative body decision;

(g) determine whether the proposed legislative body decision is to be accepted in dependence upon whether the sum of the fractional district votes in favor of the legislative body decision multiplied by one hundred exceeds a prescribed percentage of the total number of district votes.

64. The system defined in claim 63, further comprising a plurality of representative'"'"'s voting machines at remote locations, each comprising:

(a) a sixth processor;

(b) a sixth memory, coupled to the sixth processor for storing sixth application software and data including at least one of (i) first representative information comprising identifying information of a representative user who has previously registered to vote and (ii) second representative identifying information about a user of a representative voting machine who wishes to vote;

(c) a sixth communication device, coupled to the sixth processor, for transmitting and receiving data to and from the first communication device in the host server;

(d) a fifth display, coupled to the sixth processor, for displaying information presented by the sixth processor to a respective representative;

(e) a ninth input device, coupled to the sixth processor, for receiving commands from the respective representative and presenting such commands to said sixth processor; and

(f) an tenth input device, coupled to the sixth processor, for receiving said second representative identifying information and presenting such information to the sixth processor;

wherein at least one of said first and sixth application software controls said first and sixth processor, respectively, to compare second representative identifying information received by the tenth input device, to said first representative identifying information, if any, previously stored in at least one of said first and sixth memory;

wherein the fifth display presents information concerning at least one voting choice to the representative;

wherein the representative is authorized to cast a vote on said voting selection by entering at least one vote command into the ninth input device, if the first and second representative identifying information are substantially similar;

wherein the sixth communication device transmits the vote command, specifying the voting selection, if entered by the authorized representative, to the first communication device;

wherein said third legislator input device is further coupled to said first communication device for receiving vote commands from an authorized representative, and for their conveyance to said first processor; and

wherein the first processor counts and stores the voting selection specified by the respective representative vote commands received from said voting machines;

thereby assuring that only authorized representatives are allowed to vote as representatives, and counting the votes from all authorized representatives who cast a vote.

65. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said host server further comprises a fourth legislator input device coupled to said first processor;

wherein;

(1) said voting information concerns a legislative body decision to be determined by voting, and applied to a legal jurisdiction;

(2) a plurality of voting districts have been established within the jurisdiction, each district having a plurality of residents residing within the respective district, and each district may cast one district vote for the purpose of determining legislative body decisions;

(3) wherein a representative from each district is selected who is entitled to vote on proposed legislative body decisions on behalf of the residents in that representative'"'"'s respective district; and

(4) authorized users who have been registered within each district may vote on said proposed legislative body decisions;

(5) the vote of each said representative in favor of, or against the proposed legislation by a plurality of said representatives representing their respective districts is inputted via said fourth legislator input device;

(6) the vote of each of a plurality of said authorized users in favor of, or against the proposed legislative body decision is cast in at least one district;

(7) said first processor is operative to;

(a) count the authorized user votes in said at least one district to determine the number of authorized user votes in favor of, and the number of authorized user votes against the proposed legislative body decision in that district;

(b) in each district, determine the district vote as follows;

(i) if the number of authorized user votes in favor of the legislative body decision exceeds a first given number for that district, that district casts one district vote in favor of the legislation;

(ii) if the number of authorized user votes against the legislative body decision exceeds said first given number for that district, that district casts one district vote against the legislation;

(iii) if neither one of conditions (i) and (ii) obtain, and if said representative inputted a voting selection to said fourth legislator input device in favor of or against the legislative body decision, then the vote of the representative is considered to be the district vote;

(iv) if neither one of conditions (i) and (ii) obtain, and if said representative did not input a voting selection to said fourth legislator input device in favor of said legislative body decision, and did not input a voting selection to said fourth legislator input device against said legislative body decision, then, if the number of authorized user votes in favor of said legislative body decision exceeds a second given number for that district, that district casts one district vote in favor of said legislative body decision;

(v) if neither one of conditions (i) and (ii) obtain, and if said representative did not input a voting selection to said fourth input device in favor of said legislative body decision, and did not input a voting selection to said fourth input device against said legislative body decision, then, if the number of authorized user votes against the legislative body decision exceeds a second given number for that district, that district casts one district vote against the legislative body decision; and

(vi) if neither one of conditions (i)-(v) obtain, then that district vote is not counted; and

(c) determine whether the proposed legislative body decision is to be accepted in dependence upon whether the number of district votes counted in favor of said proposed legislative body decision, multiplied by the number 100, and divided by the total number of district votes counted is greater than a prescribed percentage.

66. The system defined in claim 65, further comprising a plurality of representative'"'"'s voting machines at remote locations, each comprising:

(a) a seventh processor;

(b) a seventh memory, coupled to the seventh processor for storing seventh application software and data including at least one of (i) first representative information comprising identifying information of a representative user who has previously registered to vote and (ii) second representative identifying information about a user of a representative voting machine who wishes to vote;

(c) a seventh communication device, coupled to the seventh processor, for transmitting and receiving data to and from the first communication device in the host server;

(d) a sixth display, coupled to the seventh processor, for displaying information presented by the seventh processor to a respective representative;

(e) an eleventh input device, coupled to the seventh processor, for receiving commands from the respective representative and presenting such commands to said seventh processor; and

(f) an twelfth input device, coupled to the seventh processor, for receiving said second representative identifying information and presenting such information to the seventh processor;

wherein at least one of said first and seventh application software controls said first and seventh processor, respectively, to compare second representative identifying information received by the twelfth input device, to said first representative identifying information, if any, previously stored in at least one of said first and seventh memory;

wherein the sixth display presents information concerning at least one voting choice to the representative;

wherein the representative is authorized to cast a vote on said voting selection by entering at least one vote command into the eleventh input device, if the first and second representative identifying information are substantially similar;

wherein the seventh communication device transmits the vote command, specifying the voting selection, if entered by the authorized representative, to the first communication device;

wherein said fourth legislator input device is further coupled to said first communication device for receiving vote commands from an authorized representative, and for their conveyance to said first processor; and

wherein the first processor counts and stores the voting selection specified by the respective representative vote commands received from said voting machines;

thereby assuring that only authorized representatives are allowed to vote as representatives, and counting the votes from all authorized representatives who cast a vote.

67. The system defined in claim 1, wherein said host server further comprises a fifth legislator input device coupled to said first processor;

wherein;

(1) said voting information concerns a legislative body decision to be determined by voting, and applied to a legal jurisdiction;

(2) a plurality of voting districts have been established within the jurisdiction, each district having a plurality of residents residing within the respective district, and each district may cast two district votes for the purpose of determining legislative body decisions;

(3) two representatives from each district are selected who are entitled to vote on proposed legislative body decisions on behalf of the residents in those representatives'"'"' respective district;

(4) authorized users who have been registered within each district may vote on said proposed legislative body decisions;

(5) the vote of each of a plurality of said representatives in favor of, or against a proposed legislative body decision is inputted via said fifth legislator input device, thereby to reflect a voting position of each respective representative who voted;

(6) the vote of each of a plurality of said authorized users in favor of, or against the proposed legislative body decision is cast, in at least one district;

(7) if the two representatives in a given district each input a voting selection to the fifth legislator input device, and the voting selection of such two representatives is the same, said first processor is operative to;

(a) determine the number of oppositional authorized user votes as those authorized user votes which are in opposition to the voting selection selected by said two representatives in said given district;

(b) determine the anti-representative fraction of the district vote as the number of oppositional authorized user votes divided by the number of residents in the given district;

(c) determine the pro-representative fraction of the district vote as the fraction whose numerator is (i) the number of residents in the given district minus (ii) the number of oppositional authorized user votes and whose denominator is the number of residents in the given district;

(d) count the fractional district vote in favor of the legislation in the given district as (i) the pro-representative fraction of the district vote, if said district representatives inputted voting selections to said fifth legislator input device in favor of said legislative body decision and as (ii) the anti-representative fraction of the district vote, if said district representatives inputted voting selections to said fifth legislator input device against said legislative body decision; and

(8) if the two representatives in a given district each input a voting selection to the fifth legislator input device, and the voting selections of such two representatives are opposed to each other, said first processor is operative to determine the fractional district vote for that district in favor of the legislative body decision as the fraction whose numerator is the number of authorized user votes in said district in favor of said legislation, and whose denominator is the total number of residents in said district;

(9) said first processor is further operative to;

(a) determine the sum of all fractional district votes in favor of said legislative body decision; and

(b) select a final counting method from the group of (I) the summation of fractional district votes; and

(II) conversion of fractional district votes to integral district votes, followed by the summation of integral district votes;

(10) if said selected counting method is the summation of fractional votes, said first processor is operative to determine whether said proposed legislative body decision is to be accepted in dependence upon whether the sum of the fractional district votes in favor of the legislation exceeds a prescribed percentage of the total number of district votes; and

(11) if said selected counting method is the conversion of fractional district votes to integral votes, said first processor is operative to;

(a) for each district, multiply the number of fractional district votes in favor of said legislative body decision by the number two;

(b) for said respective district;

(i) count said integral district vote as two votes in favor of said proposed legislative body decision if twice said respective fractional district vote exceeds a first value,

(ii) count said integral district vote as one vote in favor of said proposed legislative body decision if twice said respective fractional district vote exceeds a second value but does not exceed said first value, and

(iii) count said integral district vote as zero votes in favor of said proposed legislative body decision, if twice said respective fractional district vote does not exceeds a second value; and

(c) determine whether the proposed legislative body decision is to be accepted in dependence upon whether the sum of the integral district votes in favor of the legislative body decision exceeds a prescribed percentage of the total number of district votes.

68. The system defined in claim 67, further comprising a plurality of representative'"'"'s voting machines at remote locations, each comprising:

(a) an eighth processor;

(b) an eighth memory, coupled to the eighth processor for storing eighth application software and data including at least one of (i) first representative information comprising identifying information of a representative user who has previously registered to vote and (ii) second representative identifying information about a user of a representative voting machine who wishes to vote;

(c) an eighth communication device, coupled to the eighth processor, for transmitting and receiving data to and from the first communication device in the host server;

(d) a seventh display, coupled to the eighth processor, for displaying information presented by the eighth processor to a respective representative;

(e) a thirteenth input device, coupled to the eighth processor, for receiving commands from the respective representative and presenting such commands to said eighth processor; and

(f) an fourteenth input device, coupled to the eighth processor, for receiving said second representative identifying information and presenting such information to the eighth processor;

wherein at least one of said first and eighth application software controls said first and eighth processor, respectively, to compare second representative identifying information received by the fourteenth input device, to said first representative identifying information, if any, previously stored in at least one of said first and eighth memory;

wherein the seventh display presents information concerning at least one voting choice to the representative;

wherein the representative is authorized to cast a vote on said voting selection by entering at least one vote command into the thirteenth input device, if the first and second representative identifying information are substantially similar;

wherein the eighth communication device transmits the vote command, specifying the voting selection, if entered by the authorized representative, to the first communication device;

wherein said fifth legislator input device is further coupled to said first communication device for receiving vote commands from an authorized representative, and for their conveyance to said first processor; and

wherein the first processor counts and stores the voting selection specified by the respective representative vote commands received from said voting machines;

thereby assuring that only authorized representatives are allowed to vote as representatives, and counting the votes from all authorized representatives who cast a vote.

69. The system defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second memory stores voting information for presentation by said first display to the user of the voting machine.

70. The system defined in claim 69, wherein said voting information includes (i) a voting matter to be presented to the user for voting selection, and (ii) information related to said voting matter.

71. The system defined in claim 70, wherein said information related to said voting matter includes at least one test question, and a respective correct answer to each question, for evaluating the extent of understanding of the voting matter by the user.

72. The system defined in claim 71, wherein:

(a) said second input device is adapted to receive user responses to said test questions; and

(b) at least one of said first and second processor is operative to;

(i) compare each user response to a test question with the correct answer thereto, and

(ii) determine a value of X corresponding to each respective voting matter, wherein “

X”

is a number ranging from the number zero to the number one indicating the fraction of correct authorized user responses to said test questions, said at least one processor enabling the respective voting selection to the respective voting matter to be counted if the value of X exceeds a given number;

thereby to assure that the voting selection of an authorized user is based on a correct understanding of the contents of said voting matter.

73. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said system further comprises a plurality of controlled-entry housing units, each such housing unit forming a secure perimeter which encloses a respective voting machine, each housing unit comprising:

(a) an enclosure with a solid perimeter which encloses said voting machine;

(b) a first door which allows access through said solid perimeter, allowing access to said enclosure and said voting machine by an authorized user;

(c) an electronically controllable first lock on said first door having a first lock control coupled to said second processor, said electronically controllable first lock preventing opening said first door when in a locked state and allowing opening of said first door when in an unlocked state;

wherein;

(i) said second input device is disposed outside of said housing perimeter for access by a user;

(ii) said second processor compares said second voter identifying information received from said second input device with previously stored first voter identifying information;

(iii) if said second voter identifying information is substantially similar to said first voter identifying information, said second processor causes said first lock to be in an unlocked state; and

(iv) if said second voter identifying information is not substantially similar to said first voter identifying information, said second processor causes said first lock to be in a locked state;

thereby to allow access to the enclosure and said voting machine through said first door by an authorized user and to prevent access to said voting machine by any person other than an authorized user.

74. The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said system further comprises a plurality of controlled-entry housing units, each such housing unit forming a secure perimeter which encloses a respective voting machine, each housing unit comprising:

(a) an enclosure with a solid perimeter which encloses said voting machine;

(b) a first door which allows access through said solid perimeter, allowing access to said enclosure and said voting machine by an administrator;

(c) an electronically controllable first lock on said first door having a lock control coupled to said second processor, said electronically controllable first lock preventing opening said first door when in a locked state and allowing opening of said first door when in an unlocked state; and

(d) a third input device, coupled to said second processer, for receiving administrator identifying information;

wherein;

(i) said third input device is disposed outside of said housing perimeter for access by an administrator;

(ii) said second processor compares said administrator identifying information received from said third input device with previously stored administrator identifying information;

(iii) if said administrator identifying information is substantially similar to said stored administrator identifying information, said second processor causes said first lock to be in an unlocked state; and

(iv) if said administrator identifying information is not substantially similar to said stored administrator identifying information, said second processor causes said first lock to be in a locked state;

thereby to allow access to the enclosure and the voting machine by an authorized administrator and to prevent access to said voting machine by any person other than an authorized user and an authorized administrator.

75. The apparatus defined in claim 73, further comprising:

(a) an entryway, arranged in front of said first door, said entryway having a second door through which a user must pass to reach said first door;

(b) an electronically controllable second lock, on said second door, having a second lock control coupled to said second processor, said electronically controllable second lock preventing opening said second door when in a locked state and allowing opening of said second door when in an unlocked state; and

(c) and a fourth input device, disposed outside of said enclosure and said entryway, coupled to said second processer, for receiving second voter identifying information;

wherein;

(i) said second processor compares said second voter identifying information received from said second input device with previously stored first voter identifying information;

(ii) if said second voter identifying information is substantially similar to said first voter identifying information, said second processor causes said second lock to be in an unlocked state; and

(iv) if said second voter identifying information is not substantially similar to said first voter identifying information, said second processor causes said second lock to be in a locked state;

thereby controlling the locked state of second door and access to said entryway by a user.

76. The apparatus defined in claim 74, further comprising:

(a) an entryway, arranged in front of said first door, said entryway having a second door through which a user must pass to reach said first door;

(b) an electronically controllable second lock, on said second door, having a second lock control coupled to said second processor, said electronically controllable second lock preventing opening said second door when in a locked state and allowing opening of said second door when in an unlocked state; and

(c) and a fourth input device, disposed outside of said enclosure and said entryway, coupled to said second processer, for receiving administrator identifying information;

wherein;

(i) said fourth input device is disposed outside of said housing perimeter for access by an administrator;

(ii) said second processor compares said administrator identifying information received from said fourth input device with previously stored administrator identifying information;

(iii) if said administrator identifying information is substantially similar to said stored administrator identifying information, said second processor causes said second lock to be in an unlocked state; and

(iv) if said administrator identifying information is not substantially similar to said stored administrator identifying information, said second processor causes said second lock to be in a locked state;

thereby controlling the locked state of second door and access to said entryway by an administrator.