US1624045A - Balloting system and the like - Google Patents

Description

J. B. FISCHER BALLOTING SYSTEM AND-THE LIK E Filed June 4, 1925 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 h 1 624 045 A 1927' J. B. FISCHER BALLOTING SYSTEM AND THE LIKE Filed J e 4, 1925 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 12 Apml 1927 .1. B. FISCHER BALLOTING sy'smu AND THE 11m File n 4, 1925 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 7 1,624,045 Apnl J. B. FISCHER v BALLOTING SYSTEM AND THE LIKE Filed Jun 4, 1925 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 r27? 22% 7", Jase 27727. flac/zer J. B. FISCHER BALLOTING SYSTEM AND THE LIKE April 12, 1927. I 1,624,045

REGISTRATION CARD FISCHER PROTECTIVE VOTING SYSTEM PRECINCT WARD CITY OF WCOUNTY OF //i 5TATE OF NAME I /06 5PACE AooRzss 4:

FOR I IDENTIFICATION MARK. r [PHOTOGRAPH O pn? Leff 50/0 For Special My) ZZ J?" 4 1 SPEClME N BALLOT 9/ Q REPUBLICAN G 'DEMQcRATI FOR PRE$I DENTAL ELECTORs FOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS I: III

P-W I /Z/ FOR SENATOR FOR SENATOR FOE REPEESENTATIVE FOR. REPR-EJENTATIVE III III #27? z/grzzorx Patented Apr. 12, 1927.

JOSEPH B. E'IscIIEE, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

BALLorING SYSTEM AND THE LIKE.

Application filed June 4,

This invention has to do with certain im-' provements in balloting systems and the mechanism intended to be used therewith. Generally speaking, the features of the pres ent invention have been devised with a particular view to meeting the requirements of the voting laws existing within the different States of the United States; and it may. also be stated that the system of the present invention is especially adapted for use in connection with what is known as the Australian ballot.

One of the features of the invention relates to the provision of an improved form of ballot box, from which the ballots are issued one at a time preparatory to their being marked by the voters and deposited in the receiving box. In this connection it is an object of the invention to provide an issuing box of such construction and arrangement that the ballots will be issued therefrom only one at a time and under perfect control of the inspectors orjudgesof election.

Another object in this connection is to make provision for maintaining an exact count of the number of ballots so issued from the issuing box, so that at any instant the judges can immediately see the exact num her which have been issued up to that time.

In connection with the foregoing, it is a further object to provide an improved con struction of crank device'for turning the feed rolls, said crank device being so ar-' ranged that it cannot intentionally be turned beyond the point corresponding to theissuance of a single ballot fromthe box.

A further feature of the invention relates to the provision of means for associating, if desired, two or more such boxes, so that they may be used in harmony for issuance of two or more kinds of ballots such as are fr'equen'tly used in elections. For example, one box maybe used for the issuance of the regular ballots of the election and another box may be co-ordinately used for the issuance of the little ballot, if such be required. Another feature in this connection is to so arrange the boxes that they may be used in direct association and in such a manner that both of the ballots will be simultaneously issued from their respective boxes. by the manipulation'of a single operating device, suchas a crank.

A further feature of the invention relates 1925 Serial No. 34,815. I

to the provision of a construction which is capable of use with ballots of different sizes, provision berngymade for adjusting the stops and plates within thejbox to the proper positions, depending upon the exact shape and,

size of the ballot in question.

A further feature of the invention relates to the provision of means for automatically stamping each ballot with some selected identification mark, such as an arrow or star, (such mark being especially selected for the particular election in question, if desired) the arrangement being such that the identific'ation mark is stamped on each ballot simultaneously with its issuance from the box. This will prevent the use of unauthorized ballots and ballots which are not properly issued from the authorized box.

A further feature of the invention relates to the provision of means for automatically stamping the voting location, such as the ward and precinct, on each ball-0t as it is issued, so as to afford a further check on the authenticity and genuineness thereof.

'It is another object of the invention to provide an arrangement of issuing box which is peculiarly adapted for use in connection with ballot receiving boxes embodying the features of invention disclosed in Letters Patent of the United States No. 1,207,008, issued to me December 5,1916, and also Letters Patent. of the United States No. 1,285,- 092, issued to me November 19, 1018. The ballot receiving boxes disclosed in the aforesaid Letters Patent are so arranged that as the ballots aresuccessively stuffed into them, a counting device automatically records, so that the total number of ballots introduced into the box can be immediately ascertained at any time.

Ballot issuing boxes embodying features of the present invention may be used, if desired, in conjunction with ballot receiving boxes embodying the features of one or the other of the aforesaid earlier patents, in which case it immediately becomes possible to check the number of ballots issued at any instant against the number actually deposited in the receiving boxes. This makes it possible for the judges or inspectors of election tokeep a perfect check on the progress of the voting at all times, and also makes it possible to absolutely eliminate fraudulent voting in the form of what is known as chain ballots, repeaters, etc.

A further feature of the invention relates to the provision of an improved form of registration and voting card for use in connection with the present system, said card being so arranged and provided with such identification marks as to make it possible to maintain a perfect check on the identification of the individual presenting himself for voting, and also making it possible to simultaneously maintain a perfect check on the right of the individual to ballot at the election.

The arrangement is also such as to make it possible to entirely eliminate fraudulent voting in the form of voting under the name or identification of some other individual who is legally authorized to vote at the election.

A further feature of the invention relates to the provision of means for co-ordinating the aforesaid identification card or letter with the remaining features of the balloting system, in such a way as to bring all of the features into perfect harmony and to insure the greatest protection to the State as well as the individual.

Other objects and uses of the invention will appear from a detailed description of the same. which consists in the features of construction and combinations of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a top view of a ballot issuing box embodying the features of the presentinvention, the cover being removed so as to show the interior construction;

Fig. 2 shows an outside perspective View corresponding to Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an operating handle;

Fig. 4 shows a horizontal fragmentary section through the side wall of the box, showing the operating handle in place therein;

Fig. 5 shows a fragmentary cross section on the line 55 of Fig. 4, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 6 shows a longitudinal section through a box embodying the features of the present invention, a stack of ballots being in place;

Fig. 7 shows a cross section on the line 77 of Figs. 1 and 6, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 8 shows a cross section on the lines 8-8 of Figs. 1 and 6, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 9 shows a fragmentary perspective view of the adjustment plates for accommodating the platform to different sizes of ballots;

Fig. 10 shows a face view of the end portion of a ballot embodying the features of the present invention;

Fig. 11 shows a fragmentary longitudinal card embodying the features of the present invention; and v j v Fig. 14 shows a fragmentary face view of a specimen ballot embodying the features of the present invention.

Referring first to Fig. 1., the ballot issuing box is preferably rectangular in form and of sufficient size to accommodate the largest ballots which are ever used in the different elections. The box includes side walls 16 and 17, end walls 18 and 19, the cover 20 5 which is hinged to the side walls 17 by hinges 21, and the bottom 22. Any suitable form of lock device designated at 23 in Fig. 2 may be used for locking the cover in cl oscd position. Said lock is preferably of a form which cannot be unlocked without the simultaneous presence of two different keys such as would be supplied by the judges of election representing.opposing political parties.

This will make it impossible for anybody to tamper with the contents of the box by unauthorizedly opening the same.

A platform 23 is hinged to the end wall 18 by hinges 24, the hinged end being close to the floor 22 (Fig. 6). A spring 25 secured to the bottom face of-the platform 23 near its frontedge presses against the floor and tends to raise said front edge to a position close to a delivery slot 26 in the end wall 19. Preferably, a guard lip 27 projects inwardly from the end wall 19 ata position above the slot 26 so as to guide the ends of the ballots in issuing through said slot.

The platform 23 is provided with a back stop late 28 which is adjustable lengthwise on tie platform and has an upstanding flange 29 against which the back edges of the stack of ballots are aligned. For this purpose, the plate 28 is'prefcrably of angle shape, as shown in Figs. 6 and 9, and its horizontal leg 30 is adjustably locked to the platform 23 by a wing nut 31, the shank of which reaches through a longitudinal slot 32 of the platform.

Reaching forward from the back stop plate 28 are side plates 33 and 3s respectively, each of which is preferably L-shape, having its shorter leg 35 adjustably connected to the vertical flange 29 of the back stopby-Ineans of a wing nut 36, the shank of which reaches through a corresponding horizontal slot 37 of the flange 29 of the back stop.

From the above it will be evident that the different stops can be set into such an adjustment as to retainia stack of ballots 38 in proper alignniont on the front=portion of the platform The back stop may be so adjusted that the front edges of the ballots will come close to the slotted openings 26 but will not be projected therethrough until purposely issued.

The back stop 28 is preferably provided with a guide bar or lug 39 working within the. slotted opening 32 and projecting forward with respect thereto to a position in advance of the vertical arm 29. A pin 40 reaches upwards from said blocki39 at a position in advance of the vertical arm 29, and it is intended that each ballot, such as the ballot 41 illustrated in Fig. 14, shall be provided with a perforation 42 near its end edge, said perforation being set over the pin 40. In this way all of the ballots are aligned on said pin. The perforations 42 are formed so close to the edges 43 that a relatively slight pull on the topmost ballot will cause it to tear away from the pin 40 and .allow it to be issued. Nevertheless, all of the remaining ballots will be retained on the pin and held against improper issuance until their time arrives.

Reaching down from the sides of the cover 20 at a position in advanceof the most forward workable position of the back stop 29 is a pair of brackets 44 and 45 (Fig. 8). Journalled between said brackets is a shaft 46 upon which is mount-ed a friction roller 47. In some cases-said friction roller will be divided and thus establish another section 48 at one side of the center line. The spring or springs 26 which raise the front end of the platform will cause the top-- most ballot to be pressed up. against said friction roller with sufiicient pressure to insure proper'issuance of the topmost ball-0t from the stack when the shaft 46 is rotated.

The shaft 46 is preferably hollow, as indicated by the bore 49v in Fig. 4.. Furthermore, the end of said shaft is providedwi'tha cam shaped surface 50 so. as to establish a definite shoulder at one side.

I provlde a removable operating crank 51 of such construction and; arrangementas to;

be usable in conjunction with. the shaft for operating the same. This crank: includes a body portion 52 havinga barrelshaped shank 53, the end-54 of which is formed with a cam surface companion to the cam surface-51, so as to establish. a definite shoulder 55 which will engage the shoulder-of the shaft 46 to rotate said shaft in clockwise direction when viewed from the position of thecrank. The side wall 16. of the box is provided with an opening .66 of proper size to receive the barrel portion 53 and give the crank proper support, The barrelportion is provided with an extension 57 of proper size to work freely within the bore-0f the shaft 46.

-The crank 51. is provided with an operating handle 58 having'the finger piece 59. A button 60 is provided opposite to the. body portion of the crank, said button having a pin 61 which reaches through the body of the crank and into a hole 62 of theextension 57. There is a socket 63 formed in the body of the crank 51 within which is a spring 64 working against a block 65 on the pin 61 and tending to force the button 60 outward into the disengaged position illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4.

Located in the side wall 16 is a socket 66 within which is a spring 67 which presses astop pin 68 out into the interfering position illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, in which position a lug 69 on the crank block is interfered with, so that the crank cannot be rotated. The relation of the pin 68 and block 69 is such that when the pin. is forced out into the position of Figs. 4 and 5, it would be necessary to withdraw the crank to such an extentas to completely disengage its clutch face 55 from the shaft 46, before the lug 69 would be disengaged from the interfering. pin 68.

The button 60 carries another pin 70 which reaches through the block 52 and. stands in line with the pin 68 when the lug 69 is in substantial engagement with the pin 68. By depressing the button 60, the pin 68 is forced inwardly, thereby releasing the interferences and allowing the crank to be turned. Upon the completion of slightly less than one revolution, the lug 69 will again strike the pin 68, making it necessary to again depress the button momentarily before the crank can be again rotated. If, perchance, the operator should retain his finger. on the button 60 during the entire revolution, then the pin 70 will remain" projected inwards such a distance thatit will interfere with the pin68, so. that in either case there will be interference which will prevent the further turning of t-hescrank without anew manipulation of the button 60.

It is intended that the crank should be turned a single revolution for the issuance of each ballot, and ordinarily this revolution in itself will only partially project the ballot through the slotted opening 26. The amount of such projection will. be sufficient to allow the proper person to take hold of theballot and completely withdraw it, but to facilitate this operation it is desirable to cause the stack of ballots tobe disengaged from the friction rollers 47 and 48. a

For the above purpose, I provide a lug 71 (Fig. 8) on eachend of the shaft 46 adjacentto the side wall of the box. These lugs travel in companionnotches' 7.2 of the platform 23., but shortly before the shaft completes its revolution. said lugs sweep down against plates 73 on theplatform at the sides of the notches 72 so as to depress the plat-form. The parts are so related that this depression of the platform takes place just before the crank is interfered with, and so that, when the interference takes place to stop the crank and shaft, the platform is retained in the depressed position. Conversely, immediately after the crank and shaft commence turning on the next stroke, the lugs will ride away from the plates 73 and into the notches 72 to allow the platform to spring up again so as to insure proper contact of the topmost ballot against the friction rollers 47 and 48.

On the bottom face of the box cover there is located a counting device 7 4 (Figs. 11 and 12) the dial of which is visible through an opening (Fig. 2) in the cover, so that the count is always visible to the judges of election without opening the box. 011 the shaft 46 there is mounted a cam block 7 5, and a plate 76 has a finger 77 slidably mounted in position to be engaged by the cam block 7 5. The counting device has a shaft 78 with a ratchet wheel 79 which will be engaged by a pawl 80 on the plate 76 so as to insure one notching operation each time the cam block 75 is rotated corresponding to the isniance of a ballot. A dog 81 retains the counting device against retrograde movement.

The counting device itself may be of any approved form, and I do not particularly concern myself with its construction, beyond stating that it is preferably provided with a finger piece 82, by means of which it may be reset, said finger piece, however, not being accessible until after the ballot box has been opened. The opening 75 may be protected by glass so as to prevent tampering with the counter.

Mounted on the bottom face of the cover 20 is a stamping device 88. which has a pad 84 upon which may be placed any suitable characters, such as marks 85. designating the ward, and other marks 86, designating the precinct. It is also preferably provided with suitable key characters 87, such as arrows or the like. which may be selected by'the proper officials for use in the particular election in question. and which marks may be changed from time to time as desired for different elections.

The stamping device 83 is operated by means of a cam block 88 mounted on the shaft 46. said cam block working against a finger 89 which is pivoted at the point 90 to a block 91 depending from the cover 20, and which finger 89 works against a pin 92 on the slide 93 by which the stamping device is operated. This stamping device may be of any approved form. but preferably includes arrangements whereby the pad 84 is first raised against an inking pad and is afterwards restored to the position indicated in Fig. 11, wherein the characters are forced against the topmost ballot of the stack.

It will be noted that with the above arrangement each ballot is properly stamped before issuance, so that its authenticity and genuineness are assured.

If desired. two or more ballot boxes may be used together and harmoniously for the purpose of issuing companion ballots used in the same election. For example, one of them may be used to issue the main ballots and another one to issue the so called little ballots. In such case each box has its own counting device, and an exact check is maintained on the harmonious operation of the boxes by comparison of said counting devices.

In some cases, however, it will be desirable to make direct connection between two or more of the ballot boxes, for which purpose they may be stacked up on top of each other. as shown at 94 and 95 in Fig. 2. When so stacked they may be aligned by suitable aligning devices 96 at their corners. such alignment devices, for example, including pins on one box and sockets on the other, or including rails 97 on the respective boxes,

together with a vertical locking pin 98 working between them.

lVhen the boxes are so aligned, their respective shafts 46 may be directly connected together by a system of gearing contained within the box 99. so that both of said shafts may be synchronously operated by a single crank 100. This arrangement may be repeated to provide for synchronous operation of two, three. four or more boxes if desired. In Fig. 2. I have illustrated the edge portions of two ballots 101 and 102 being simultaneously issued from the two boxes. In such case the topmost counter correctly shows the count for both boxes.

It will be distinctly understood that the ballot issuing boxes herein disclosed are very well adapted for use in conjunction with ballot receiving boxes of the type shown in my aforesaid Letters Patent. of the United States No. 1.207 .008 and No. 1,285,- 092, since said ballot receiving boxes are provided with counting devices 25. by means of which a perfect check is at all times kept on the number of ballotsdeno' ited therein.

Referring particularly to Fig. 14. I have therein illustrated a sample ballot 41. At the point 103 there is shown the .mark stamped thereon by the stamping device 83 already referred to. Said ballot also includes the perforation 42 close to the edge 43 for receiving the pin 40.

In Fig. 13 I have shown aform of registration card for protecting the voter against fraudulent voting of his ballot by an unauthorized person. It is intended that a card embodying the features herein disclosed shouldbe in the possession of the voter himself, and a duplicate thereof in the posses sion of the voting officials. Said card is preferably provided with suitable designations 104 for exactly showing the precinct where the voter is registered. Suitabledesignations 105 and 106 are also provided for the name and address of the voter. It is also intended that a space 107 should be provided for a photograph of the voter, and other spaces 108 for such other identification marks as may be selected. Any other special key marks or the likemay be placed at the point 109.

Each authorized voter of the precinct or polling place is provided with such a registration card and must present the same when he desires to vote. In the absence of such card, his right to vote will not be recognized and he will not be issued a ballot. In this way fraudulent voting and unauthorized voting may be eliminated.

It is also intended that there shall be supplied by the election commissioners to each polling place a registration book for the particular election in question, wherein shall be entered the names of the voters of the pre cinct. It is also intended tliat'there shall be spaces in conjunction with the names so entered to receive the signatures or other marks of the different voters. After each voter has marked his ballot, but before placing same into the balloting receiving box, he will be required to sign the appropriate place of the registration book or to make his mark therein, whereupon the judges of election can immediately compare the signature or mark with that which they have on record as being his genuine mark recorded on the registration card, such as illustrated in Fig. 13 hereof.

Upon, being satisfied that the person has thus sufficiently identified himself, he will be permitted'to cast his ballot into the receiving box. In case his identity is challenged even after the above identification signature, the judges of election will place his ballot in a'sealed envelope which may then be inserted into the ballot receiving box and counted on the index thereof, so that the count of the receiving box will properly tally with that of the'ballot issuing box. If desired, the ballot may be marked void or in any other accepted manner prior to placing it in the sealed'envelope j ust're ferred to.

In case the judges of election are satisfied. as to the proper identity of the party presenting himself for'voting, even in the absence of signature or mark, he may be allowed to vote in the usual way. This would. be true, for example, in case thejudges of election were satisfied as to his identity by comparison of his photograph on the registration card in the polling place with that on his duplicate registration "card in his possession. I

VVhileI have herein shown and described only a certain embodimentof the features of my present invention, still I do not intend to limit myself tothe same, except as may do so in the claims.

I claim:

1. A ballot issuing boX comprising, incombination, a suitable rectangular enclosure having a covrhing'ed to one side and a ballot slot formed in one end, a platform hinged tothe other end-ofthe interior of the enclosure, s "rii'ig means for forcing the free end of tie platform upwards toward the slotted opening, a series of ba11*ot aligning guides adj ustably secured to the platform for aligning a stack of ballots of selected size thereon in proper position with respect to the slotted opening,'a friction roller journaled to the inside face of the cover in position to make contact with the topmost ballot of the stack when the platform is raised by the springs aforesaid, counting means carried by the'under side of'the cover and having a numerical index visible through the cover stamping means"carried'by the inside face of the cover in position to impresssele cted characters on'thetopniost ballot of the stack, fmean's for actuating both the" counting mechanism and the'printing mechanism harmoniously Wlth'tlifi feeding rotations of tl'ie'roller, means in conjunction with the'roller shaft operative effectively to depress the platform against the springs at the completion of "each roller revolution, and means for actuating the roller comprising a handle reinovably inserted through the wall ofthe enclosure and having locking means operative effectively to lock the handle against further rotation at the end'of each revolutionthereof, substantially as described.

2. A ballot issuing box comprising, in combiiia'tion, suitable rectangular enclosure li'avii'igfa cover hinged to one side and a ballot slot formed in one end,- a platform hinged to' tlieotl'ier endof the interior of the eiiclosure; spring means for forcing the free end of the platform upwards toward the slotted opening, a series of ballot aligning guides adjustably securedto the platform for aligning a stack of ballots of selected size thereon inproper position with respect to'the slotted opening, a friction roller journal'ed to theinside face of the cover in position to make contact with thetopmost ballot of the stack when theplatforin is'raisedby the means for-actuating the counting mechanism harmoniously with the feeding rotatioi'isof the roller, means in conjunction with the roller shaft operative effectively to depress the platform, against the springs atthe coinllt) pletion of each roller revolution, and means for actuating the roller comprising a handle removably inserted through the wall of the enclosure and having locking means operative effectively to lock the handle against further rotation at the end of each revolution thereof, substantially as described.

3. A ballot issuing box comprising, in conjunction, av suitable rectangular enclosure having a cover hinged to one side and a ballot slot formed in one end, a plat-form hinged to the other end of the interior of the enclosure, spring means for forcing the free -nd of the platform upwards toward the dotted opening, a series of ballot aligning guides secured to the platform for aligning a stack of ballots thereon in proper position with respect to the slotted opening, a friction roller journaled to the inside face of he cover in position to make contact with the topmost ballot of the stack when the platform is raised by the springs aforesaid, counting means carried by the under side of the cover and having a numerical index visible through the cover, means for actuating the counting mechanism harmoniously with the feeding rotations of the roller, means in conjunction with the roller shaft operative effectively to depress the platform against the springs at the completion of each roller revolution, and means for actuating the roller comprising a handle removably inserted through the wall of the enclosure and having locking means operative effectively to lock the handle against further rotation at the end of each revolution thereof, substantially as described.

4. A ballot issuing box comprising, in conjunction, av suitable rectangular enclosure having a cover hinged to one side and a ballot slot formed in one end, a platform hinged to the other end of the interior of the enclosure, spring means for forcing the free end of the platform upwards toward the slotted opening, a series of ballot aligmng guides secured to the platform for aligning a stack of ballots thereon in proper position with respect to the slotted opening, a friction roller journaled to the inside face of the cover in position to make contact with the topmost ballot of the stack when the platform is raised by the springs aforesaid, counting means carried by the under side of the cover and having a numerical index visible through the cover, means for actuating the counting mechanism harmoniously with the feeding rotations of the roller, and means for actuating the roller comprising a handle removably inserted through the wall of the enclosure and having locking means operative effectively to lock the handle against further rotation at the end of each revolution thereof, substantially as described.

5. Aballotissuing box comprising, in conjunction, a suitable rectangular enclosure having a cover hinged to one side and a ballot slot formed in one end, a platform hinged to the other end of the interior of the enclosure, spring means for forcing the free end of the platfori'n upwards toward the slotted opening, a series of ballot aligning guides adjustably secured to the platform for aligning a stack of ballots of selected size thereon in proper position with respect to the slotted opening, a friction roller journaled to the inside face of the cover in position to make contact with the topmost ballot of the stack when the plat form is raised by the springs aforesaid, counting means carried by the under side of the cover and having a numerical index visible through the cover, stamping means carried by the inside face of the cover in position to impress selected characters on the topmost ballot of the stack, means for actuating both the counting mechanism and the printing mechanism harmoniously with the feeding rotations of the roller, means in conjunction with the roller shaft operative effectively to depress the platform against the springs at the completion of each roller revolution, and means for actuating the roller comprising a handle removably inserted through the wall of the enclosure, substantially as described.

6. A ballot issuing box comprising, in combination, a suitable enclosure havlng a removable cover together with means for locking the same in place, and having a bal lot slot formed in one end, a movable platform within the enclosure, spring means tending to force one end of the same upwards toward the slotted opening aforesaid, means for aligning a stack of ballots of selected size on the platform in proper posi tion with respect to the slotted opening, a friction roller journaled withrespect to the inside face of the cover in position to make contact with the topmost ballot of the stack when the platform is raised by the springs aforesaid, counting means carried by the under side of the cover and having a numerical index visible through the cover, stamping means carried by the inside face of the cover in position to impress selected characters on the topmost ballot of the stack, means for actuating both the counting mechanism and the printing mechanism harmoniously with the feeding rotations of the roller, and means for actuating the roller comprising a handle removably inserted through the wall of the enclosure, substantially as described.

7. A ballot issuing box comprisin in combination, a suitable enclosure having a removable cover together with means for locking the same in place, and having a hallot slot formed in one end, a movable platform within the enclosure, spring means tending to force one end of the same upwards toward the slotted opening aforesaid, means for aligning a stack of ballots of selected size on the platform in proper position with respect to the slotted opening, a friction roller journaled with respect to the inside face of the cover in position to make contact with the topmost ballot of the stack when the platform is raised by the springs aforesaid, counting means carried by the under side of the cover and having a numerical index visible through the cover, means for actuating the counting mechanism harmoniously with the feeding rotations of the roller, and means for actuating the roller comprising a handle removably inserted through the wall of the enclosure, substantially as described.

8. A ballot issuing box comprising, in com bination, a suitable enclosure having a slotted opening, together with means for issuing ballots individually therefrom comprising a vertically movable platform, spring means for raising the same, a friction roller adapted to work in conjunction With'the top most ballot of a stack, located on said platform a crank exterior to the enclosure having means operative effectively to interrupt rotation of the crank at the completion of each revolution thereof and means operative to depress the platform at the completion of each rotation of the roller, effectively to lower the stack of ballots from the roller, substantially as described.

9. A ballot issuing box comprising, in combination, a suitable enclosure having a platform for the support of a stack of ballots, a ballot aligning stop adjustably mounted on said platform, a pin connected to said stop and parallel thereto but spaced there- I from, said pin being adapted to receive the perforations of a stack of ballots placed thereon, together with means for individually issuing ballots from the top of said stack including a friction roller adapted to make contact only with the topmost ballot of a stack, and means for operating said roller, substantially as described.

JOSEPH B. FISCHER.

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