Method for automatic processing of voting papers and device for realization of said method

FIELD: equipment for automatic collection of information about vote results.

SUBSTANCE: method includes inserting vote papers into track and moving them along track while synchronously reading their full width images on both sides of sheet with recognition of voter marks and qualification of papers with concurrent marking of invalid papers, read image if transformed to digital code signals, appropriate for semi-tone presentation of image and also lighting level is automatically set, determined by white field of paper and corrections are introduced compensating unevenness of transfer of signals by objective and distortions, caused by blinks from parts of optical track and deviation of sensitivity of elements of reading photo-receiver, on basis of multiplication of signals of image of each element of read string of vote paper on coefficients, determined for each read element during scanning of white field.

EFFECT: higher trustworthiness of results due to improved reliability of recognition of marks put down by voters.

3 cl, 2 dwg

The invention relates to techniques for the automated collection of information about the voting results and can be used for reading information from the ballots and registration of this information at the Central stations, can be used in the precinct election commissions in the preparation of the elections and referenda at all levels in accordance with applicable law. The main components of the complex can also be applied in the period between elections for the information of the municipal authorities, local administrations and other public services. The complex is designed for reading marks of ballots cast against all candidates, registration of voting results in the form of protocols on paper and on magnetic media (floppy disks), and transfer the results to higher commissions on the telecommunications network.

A well-known method for the automated processing of ballots for voting, including the preparation of papers, writing papers and their navigation path followed by the scanning their images, the recognition of the form of bulletins and made in them by the voters of information, classification of ballots, counting of votes.

A disadvantage of the known solution is that the method is focused on the processing of specially develo is designed ballots rigid form, as reads the image is not over the entire width of the sheet, and only certain parts that contain marks, when this tag is read only from one side of the sheet. This approach implies a high precision manufacturing bulletins, and hence higher cost. This limits the maximum number of positions in the Bulletin and are not able to process the forms of arbitrary shape. When voting ballot should be omitted in the device in a certain way, that in the conditions of holding real elections are not acceptable, since coming to the site, the voter does not take special training before the vote. In real terms this leads to the violation of the secrecy of voting, because voting the voter requires operator assistance. When implementing the known method does not provide the ability to sort ballots in different compartments.

A known system for counting votes in the voting process, which contain tools input cards (bulletins), the scanning means, the processing device, a device for transmitting information to a Central point, which is a computing machine, the connection can be made via radio, led or wire lines[1], [2], [3].

A device for registering landmark information, which contains adsto to transport the document to the reading zone - in the area of scanning, reading device and a means of sorting documents [4].

The closest to the technical nature of the claimed method for the automated processing of ballots is a method for the automated processing of papers [5], including the preparation of ballots, and they move through the tract with simultaneous scanning of the image across the entire width of each sheet Bulletin simultaneously from both sides, species recognition and the Bulletin have been made to them by the voters of the information, the classification of papers and sorting distinguishing between valid and invalid with simultaneous labeling of invalid ballots and the counting of votes.

However, this method does not provide sufficient reliability of the recognition marks of voters, as it does not take into account the unevenness of the light transmission lens, interference from glare optical path and scatter the sensitivity of the reading elements of the photodetector requires time for pre-setting the reader to the peculiarity of each sheet newsletter, its white color and does not protect against failures when introduced into the path folded double or 2 sheets of ballots does not provide the input for the next newsletter before the end of the full processing information from the previous one.

The way automated printing handling the key of ballots is done using the device, which contains the scanner ballots, connected to a communication line with a free-standing station recognition, the scanner is configured to control operation of double-sided reading of the ballots, as well as software to control the sorting and marking of ballots, and the station recognition performed on an identifiable markings bulletins and software to control the sorting on the scanner.

The disadvantage of this device is complicated hardware and insufficient security line, which means the possibility of outside interference in the voting results. In addition, the scanner does not provide compensation of interference from non-uniformity of the light transmission lens across the entire width of the Bulletin and because of the glare of the optical path and scatter the sensitivity of the elements of the read sotapanna, the scanner does not have automatic settings on the features of each sheet of the Bulletin in his white and color, the scanner is not provided with the correctness of the automated counting of votes, as there is no protection against failures when introduced into the path of a folded twice newsletter or dual ballots.

The closest technical solution to a device for implementing the method for automated processing of the electoral bull who Eney is the ballot box [6], contains a container with a lid, which made the hole for the ballots, the guide, the first and second transporting drums associated with the actuator, two reading devices, consisting of light sources, lenses and blocks of photodetectors located opposite the Windows in the guide between the first and second conveyor drums, two photosensor located in the guide holes, one of which is set before the first, and the other before the second conveyor drum, the thickness gauge of ballots found in the hole in the guide before the first conveyor dryer, the timer invalid ballots, consisting of punch, kinematically associated with the electromagnet, and counting unit, the input of which is connected to the outputs of the photosensors and blocks photodetectors, and to the outputs of the actuators, indicator and an electromagnet.

The disadvantage of this ballot box is the fact that it was not provided with sufficient reliability of detection labels voters, because they do not take into account the unevenness of the light transmission lens, interference from glare optical path and scatter the sensitivity of the elements of the readout photodetectors.

The main task, which is aimed invention is to ensure the reliability of the obtained result is in by increasing the reliability of detection of marks, put voters on the ballot.

The problem is solved using the proposed method for the automated processing of ballots and device for its implementation.

The proposed method for automated processing of ballots for voting, as a prototype, involves the insertion of ballot papers and their navigation path with simultaneous reading of the image across the entire width of the sheet on both sides of the newsletter.

Unlike the prototype read the ballot image is converted into a digital code signals corresponding to the grayscale representation of the image, and automatically set the luminance level specified in the white field of the newsletter and introduce amendments to the uneven transmission of signals lens for distortion caused by reflections from parts of the optical path and the variation of sensitivity of the reading elements of the photodetector on the basis of multiplying the image signals of each element read-line ballot on odds defined for each element read when scanning the white field.

Furthermore, the proposed method uses the ballot in any format without limiting the number of columns on two sides of a sheet, and when you enter houses the municipal ballot in the tract measure the thickness of the sheet newsletter.

The essence of the proposed method for automated processing of ballots is to provide opportunities for reading information across the entire width of the sheet and with the two sides of the Bulletin, the possibility of receiving the newsletter any orientation and in any format, without limitation, the number of columns on two sides of a sheet, with protection against simultaneous input in the path of two and more bulletins or folded double sheet with automatic light setting on the brightness level and color newsletter when reading the white field of the Bulletin and automatic introduction of amendments to the distortion caused by non-uniform light transmission lens, glare from parts of the optical path and the variation of sensitivity of the elements of the readout photodetectors, certain white field Bulletin.

The proposed device for implementing the method of the automated processing of ballots, as the prototype contains a container with a lid, which made the hole for the ballots, the guide, the first and second transporting drums associated with the actuator, sensor thickness Bulletin, connected to the detector zone tolerances, the first and the second reading unit, consisting of light sources, lenses and blocks of photodetectors located opposite the Windows in the guide, two fot the sensor, located in the guide holes, one of which is set before the first, and the other before the second conveyor drums, timer invalid ballots and the counting unit.

Unlike the prototype device is additionally introduced the third photosensor mounted in the guide hole after the second conveying drum unit software control unit module comprising a generator that generates the control signals blocks photodetectors and the signal synchronizes the transportation of the ballot with the scan in blocks of sensors, dual analog-to-digital Converter signals from blocks photodetectors into digital code that can record signals grayscale image of the ballot in the memory of the counting unit, dual-channel buffer memory device for storing image signals from blocks photodetectors before sending them to the counting unit for Omr voters, dual random access memory for storing correction coefficients and the dual multiplier for entering amendments to the uneven transmission of light by a lens, the distortion caused by reflections from parts of the optical path and the variation of sensitivity photodetectors, however, in which the od unit software control of connected outputs of the first, the second and third photosensor and the output of the detector zone tolerances, and to the outputs connected to the inputs of the actuator and timer invalid ballots, to the first inputs of the block module connected to the outputs of blocks photodetectors of the first and second readers, to the second inputs serial synchronous SPI bus connected unit software control, and the output unit module connected to the counting unit through software available ports I / o on the PCI bus for configuration and control block module, support the exchange of information between program control and counting unit, and to transmit the corrected image signals to the counting unit.

The essence of the device for the implementation of the proposed method lies in the fact that the power module is configured to generate control signals blocks photodetectors and signal conversion grayscale Bulletin-to-digital Converter for storing the counting unit, and a signal is generated synchronizing the transportation of ballots scan in blocks photodetectors.

Block module configured to store in the RAM correction factors and adjustments on uneven transmission of light by a lens, the distortion caused by reflections from the optical parts is one tract and variation in the sensitivity of the elements of the photodetectors. The adjustments are made on the basis of the elementwise multiplication of the signals of the picture elements read-line ballot on odds defined for each element when reading the white field Bulletin, independently for each reader.

Block module configured to install the black level and the gain of the image signals independently for each reading device according to the control commands received from the counting unit via the PCI bus.

The task set when creating a method for the automated processing of ballots and device for its implementation, was made possible by the next.

The use of voting devices made it possible to concentrate all processing of ballots and counting of votes in one place, which led to a reduction in the length of lines of communication and increase the reliability of the product.

The device for implementing the method, equipped with a sensor thickness of the Bulletin and the detector zone tolerances, it is not possible to engage the actuator transporting host with the introduction of the device two ballots or doubly folded one newsletter, provides protection against failures during the vote count.

Introduction to the unit block programme management with connect to fo is datchikov, thickness gauge newsletter and electric drive allows you to transfer the functions of program management node transportation from the counting unit software control, freeing the computational resource of the counting unit, which reduces processing time and classification Bulletin.

The drive of the transporting drum driven from the block of software control with separate on and off the first and second transporting drums, provides a reduction in the time the device is ready to receive the next newsletter, i.e. increases its performance.

Introduction to the unit block module to the first input of which is connected photodetectors and readout devices, and a second input for synchronous serial SPI bus is connected to the block programme management, gave the opportunity to convert the image signals ballot in the digital code corresponding to a grayscale image, to determine the level of whiteness of the white field of the Bulletin and to install the necessary illumination of the Bulletin, to determine and memorize the operational memory (RAM) the values of the correction factors and to introduce amendments into the digital image signal on the uneven transmission of light by a lens, the distortion caused by the faces from the details of the optical path and the variation of sensitivity of the elements of the readout photodetectors, before transmission of the image signals of the Gazette counting unit for classification Bulletin and patch recognition of voters.

Thus the combination of the above features allows you to solve the problem.

The invention is illustrated by drawings, where figure 1 shows a General view of the device for implementing the method of the automated processing of ballots, figure 2 presents a functional block diagram of a device for implementing the method.

The proposed method for automated processing of ballots for voting is as follows.

On the ballots, with the printed text, no limit on the number of columns, the print indicating the number of the precinct election Commission, the voter makes a mark, which according to the legislation represents any character that is placed in the square. Use the ballot paper width 210 mm (A4 format) and a length of from 230 to 600 mm, and the ballot paper width 299 mm (A3). When using these forms have the ability to post on the same sheet multiple ballots, thereby significantly increasing the information capacity of the ballots.

When enabled (power-up) device for osushestvleniya automated processing of ballots performs tests of self-control. Before voting with the help of floppy and keyboard connected to the counting unit, in the memory of the counting unit provides information about the number of candidates and the location of the relevant sections of the Bulletin (squares), which must bear the mark of voters, as well as when lowering a test Bulletin stored in the memory of the lower and upper thresholds of the zone of thickness tolerances of the Bulletin. After that, the device is ready for input and processing of the Bulletin and on the top panel lights up display "Enter newsletter. When the upper panel is lit in the display, Enter the ballot, the voter manually directs the ballot into the inlet of the device. The device accepts ballots in any orientation, without returning incorrectly omitted ballots to the voter. However, if the newsletter is introduced significant bias, he goes back to the voter. After correct entry of the Gazette device is reading data across the entire sheet width and two sides, with simultaneous movement of the sheet and the read image. A grayscale image is translated into a digital code. In the beginning of the movement of the Bulletin is read white field signal which is determined by the optimal level of whiteness and brightness, defined correction factors the La accounting distortions caused by non-uniform light transmission lens flare in the optical path, the dispersion of the sensitivity of the elements of the readout photodetectors. Correction factors are remembered for all time passing Bulletin tract. The signals of each line read bitmap images are multiplied by correction coefficients, thereby eliminates distortion in the image signal, and the Bulletin is binding white level to read all rows to the same value. Read and corrected the way the Bulletin is recognized in the counting unit. The software allows you to classify papers by categories: valid, invalid and an unidentified form, identifies the voter's mark in squares and carries out the counting and marking of invalid ballots and ballots unidentified forms.

The device for implementing the method of the automated processing of ballots for voting has a reservoir 1, closed by a cover 2,which made the hole 3 for newsletters. For hole 3 is guide 4, in which the first transporting drum 5, the associated friction wheels 6 and 7, the motor 8 and the second transporting drum 9, the associated friction wheels 10 and 11 e is tradigital 12. The motors 8 and 12 together with a control unit (not shown) form the actuator 13 bulletins (figure 2). The first photo-sensor 14 and the sensor thickness Bulletin 15 are located in the holes of the guide 4 before the first conveyor drum 5, the second photo sensor 16 is installed in the guide hole 4 before the second conveyor drum 9. Between the first 5 and the second 9 transporting the drums in the guide 4 is made open, in front of which on the one hand the guide posted by the first reading device, consisting of a light source 17 and the lens 18, which is the first block 19 photodetectors, on the other hand, the second reading device, consisting of a light source 20 and lens 21, which is the second block 22 photodetectors. Before the second conveyor drum 9 is the disk 23 with teeth on both sides of the support bands 24. The disk 23 with the teeth is mounted for rotation on the lever 25, kinematically associated with the electromagnet 26. The disk 23 is rotatably and move perpendicular to the guide 4. The device also posted detector zone tolerances 27 (2), the counting unit 28 and the indicator 29. Counting unit 28 also has an input 30 for recording in the memory information bulletins.

The light sources 17 and 20 can be performed in linear form the fluorescent lamp of white light or line of light-emitting diodes, connected to the outputs e uskoregulirujushchej devices 31 and 32, the inputs of which are connected to the outputs of block programme management 33.

The device is placed a block of program management 33, block module 34.

In the guide hole 4 after the second 9 transporting drum set, the third photosensor 35. Thickness gauge newsletter 15 (2) is connected to the input of the detector zone tolerances 27 whose output and the output of the sensors 14, 16 and 35 are connected to the inputs of block programme management 33, the outputs of which are connected to the actuator 13 and the electromagnet 26. To the first inputs of the blocks module 34 is connected blocks 19 and 22 photodetectors, and to the second inputs of the block module 34 is connected to a software block 33 via the serial synchronous SPI bus. The output of block module 34 is connected to the counting unit 28 via the PCI bus.

The actuator 13 can contain up to 2 electric motors 8 and 12 DC (for example, PDM-30), AC (for example, UDC-32) or step (for example, DSHP 200).

Photosensors 14, 16 and 35 can be made in the form of opto-couplers using LEDs CIPD-4 and phototransistor FTC. The sensor 15, the thickness of the newsletter can also be made in the form of an optocoupler using emitting diode ALB infrared range and phototransistor FTC. As a light source 17 and 20 can be used is by linear fluorescent lamps FM11W840 by OSRAM, connected to electronic devices operating at high frequency (Rokhlin GN. Gas-discharge light sources. M.-L., "Energy", 1966, s-358). Blocks 19 and 22 photodetectors can be implemented on the basis of the multi-element photodetector lines CCD SONY LX523A, NEC mPD3734A, and can also be used a one-dimensional line contact type, combined with the linear illuminator company DYNA IMAGE CORP. Block module 34 can be implemented on the basis of specialized programmable BIS ALTERA, and integrating over 3000 gates/chip, dual-channel analog-to-digital conversion 36 AD 9822JR Analog Devices. The detector 27 of the zone of tolerance can be implemented in the diagrams compare, for example, two analog Comparators CSA, each of which is mounted on the upper and lower threshold detector tolerance zone (awl V.L. Linear integrated circuits in electronic equipment. - Moscow: "Soviet radio" s-229, 368. Counting unit 28 may be made in the form of a single Board of microcomputers (iUKI-740E PCSA Bus Pentium CPU card W/10/100 Mbps)ports I/o which is on the PCI bus connected to the block module 34 through which the broadcast signals from the unit software control 33 to the counting unit 28 and commands from the counting unit 28 to the block programme management 33.

To the ports of the microcomputer is also connected to the indicator 29, which m which may be made in the form of multi-digit digital display with digital indicators ALB, display and other Unit software control 33 can be implemented on the basis of the mass of programmable circuits, such as PIC microcontrollers PIC 16 SHH (PIC - microcontrollers. The practice of application. DMR Press, 2002).

The unit module 34 includes a dual-channel analog-to-digital Converter 36, a dual multiplier 37, operative memory (RAM) correction factors 38, the buffer RAM 39, the communication unit PCI bus 40, through which the block module 34 is connected to the counting unit 28, the pulse generator control photodetectors 41, the clock 42 for General synchronization device and the communication unit of the SPI bus.

The pulse generator control photodetector 41 is connected to the clock 42 for General synchronization operation.

A specific example of a complete method for the automated processing of ballots using the proposed device.

Before voting with the help of floppy and keyboard connected to the input 30 of the counting unit 28, in his memory provides information about the number of candidates and the location of the relevant sections of the Bulletin (squares, in which shall be entered the voter's mark, as well as when lowering a test newsletter - from the sensor 15, the thickness of the Bulletin, the lower and upper poro the new values of the zone of tolerance of its thickness.

In the voting process, the voter makes a mark in the ballot and sends it into the opening 3 of the cover 2. When moving in the guide 4 Bulletin covers the luminous flux of the first photosensor 14 and reduces the flow sensor 15, the thickness of the newsletter.

The output signal from the sensor 15, the thickness of the newsletter arrives in the detector zone tolerances 27 and if it is within the specified zone of tolerance, the output signal from the detector zone tolerances 27 together with the output signal from the first photosensor 14 is passed to the block programme management 33, providing at its output the enable signal of the electric motor 8 drive 13. The rotation of the motor 8 is transmitted through the friction wheels 6 and 7 on the first conveying drum 5, which transports Bulletin of the guide 4. When this newsletter goes past the window in the guide 4, where portions of it are covered light fluxes from the light sources 17 and 20. Reflected from the white field Bulletin luminous flux focused by the lenses 18 and 21 on the blocks 19 and 22 photodetectors. The outputs of blocks 19 and 22 photodetectors receive the signals carrying the information about the magnitude of the light flux reflected from each element is read-line newsletter.

These signals are sent to two-channel analog-to-digital Converter 36 in the block module 34 (figure 2), is converted to digital is the code the corresponding grayscale image, and is written in the buffer RAM 39. Based on the analysis of light distribution in the white box sheet ballot counting unit 28 generates correction factors for each item in a few lines. Correction factors are stored in the RAM correction factors 38 at the time of passage of the ballot, the signals read from each line of the image of the newsletter are multiplied in block 37 on the obtained coefficients as passing newsletter past the window in the guide 4. At the same time counting unit 28 through the module 34, the block management software 33 and electronic ballasts devices 31 and 32 to regulate the luminous flux of the light sources 17 and 20, providing optimal illumination at the entrance of the blocks 19 and 22 photodetectors. When in the guide window 4 marks placed by the voter, the reflected luminous flux from these elements decreases, which leads to the change of the output signal of the blocks 19 and 22 photodetectors. These signals through analog-to-digital converters in the module 34 receives on counting unit 28, which determines in what section of the newsletter has been a change in the signal. The signals read from each line of the image of the ballot after conversion into a digital code of the ADC 36 are che the ez dual multiplier 37, the buffer RAM 39 and through the communication unit 40 via the PCI bus, proceed to the counting unit 28. At the initial moment in RAM correction factors 38 all coefficients equal to 1, so the code corresponding to the halftone picture with all the bumps through the buffer RAM 39, the communication unit 40 via the PCI bus, enters the counting unit 28, which measures the maximum signal level and generates code corresponding to the optimal light level. At the same time counting unit 28 generates correction factors. Control indicator light on the PCI bus via the communication unit 40, a communication unit SPI bus SPI block module 34 is passed through the block management software 33 on start-regulating device 31 and 32 to regulate the luminous flux of the light sources 17 and 20, providing optimal illumination.

Upon further transported along the guide 4 Bulletin covers the luminous flux of the second photosensor 16. The output signal from the photosensor is passed to the block programme management 33, providing the motor 12.

The rotation of the motor 12 is transmitted through the friction wheel 10 and 12 to the second conveyor drum 9, which captures the newsletter, and transports it along the guide rail 4. After going through the entire newsletter by the second photosensor 16 luminous flux therein is opened, the signal er is output goes to the block programme management 33, which produces the stop signal of the motor 8 and 12. The first and second transporting drums 5 and 9 are stopped, and the upper part of the Bulletin remains in the guide 4, in contact with the second conveyor drum 9. Counting unit 28 performs the processing read from the Bulletin of information, determining the presence on the ballot marks, marked by the voter, and their number. If placed on the ballot one mark, it is considered to be valid and in accordance with the location of this mark in the counter unit 28 is written "voice"cast for one candidate or the "against all" candidates. If the statement does not bear any mark of the voter or marked more than one mark, it is considered invalid. In this case, the counting unit 28 generates a signal to the electromagnet 26, the turning lever 25. The disk with the teeth 23 is moved perpendicular to the guide rail 4, and the teeth tearing holes in the Gazette and the supporting belts 24 protect the ballot paper from wrinkling and tearing. At the same time, at the end of processing the read information counting unit 28 generates a signal readiness to receive the next newsletter and the enable signal of the motor 12, the second conveying drum 9 rotates, the newsletter is issued from the guide 4 popadaet into the container 1. He passes by the third photosensor 35. If the ballot was invalid disk with teeth 23 will break through a hole in the Gazette and in the promotion Bulletin the second conveyor drum 9 disk with teeth 23 starts to rotate, drilling new holes in the Gazette. After the publication of the guide 4 and going through the entire newsletter by third photosensor 35 luminous flux therein is opened, the signal with its output fed to a block of program management 33, which generates stop signals of the electric motor 12 and deactivation of the electromagnet 26 and the lever returns to its original position.

In the voting process in the counter unit 28 is the sum of "votes"cast for each candidate. Counting unit 28 generates the signal number is omitted ballots. After the elections, the voting results by using the keyboard connected to the input 30 of the counting unit 28, can be displayed on the indicator 29 and, if necessary, printer, modem, etc.

Thus, the proposed method and device for its implementation provide automated counting of votes cast in the election process for each candidate, as well as against all candidates.

The advantages of the invention consist in extending the functionality in the zmozhnostej and improve the operational characteristics, namely:

- do not allow to enter in the device folded newsletter, as well as put together two or more ballots which eliminates errors for automated counting of votes;

allows to take into account amendments to the uneven transmission signal lens, distortion caused by reflections in the optical path and the variation of sensitivity of the elements of the readout photodetectors, which improves the reliability of detection labels voters and thus reduce the probability of error for automated counting of votes, and also allows you to enter your ballot into the device by any party;

- allows you to read mark of any color;

- provides optimal exposure unit photodetectors in the process of reading data at different reflectivities of the paper on which printed newsletter;

- significantly reduces the time until it is ready to receive the next newsletter, enabling large polling stations to use, for example, two devices instead of three;

- does not require periodic sharpening of the punch punch.

Sources of information

1. Germany patent No. 4000133, IPC G 07 C 13/00, 11/07, 1991

2. International application (WO) No. 91/01333, IPC G 07 C 13/00, 11/07, 1991

3. U.S. patent No. 3793505, IPC G 07 C 13/00, 1974

4. Russian Federation patent No. 2113728, IPC G 07 D 7/00, 1998

5. Russian Federation patent No. 2172981, IPC G 07 C 13/00, 2001 - the prototype.

6. Russian Federation, certificate of utility model No. 21684, IPC G 07 C 13/07, 2002 - the prototype.

1. Method for the automated processing of ballots, including the input of the ballots in the path and movement of the ballots on tract with synchronous read their images across the entire width and on both sides of the sheet with the mark-recognition of voters and qualifications of the ballots with simultaneous labeling of invalid ballots and the counting of votes, characterized in that the read image of the ballot is converted into a digital code signals corresponding to the grayscale representation of the image, and automatically sets the luminance level specified in the white field of the newsletter and introduce amendments to the uneven transmission of signals lens for distortion caused by reflections from parts of the optical path and the variation of sensitivity of the reading elements the photodetector on the basis of multiplying the image signals of each element read-line ballot on odds defined for each element read when scanning the white field.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the use of the comfort ballot in any format without limiting the number of columns on two sides of a sheet.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when you enter the ballot in the tract measure the thickness of the sheet newsletter.