1988 - Report Warns of Problems with Pre-Scored Punch Cards

Roy Saltman states in his report "Accuracy, Integrity, and Security in Computerized Vote-Tallying" that "the use of pre-scored punch cards contributes to the inaccuracy and to the lack of confidence. It is generally not possible to exactly duplicate a count obtained on pre-scored punch cards, given the inherent physical characteristics of these ballots and variability in the ballot-punching performance of real voters. It is recommended that the use of pre-scored punch card ballots be ended." Despite his warning, use of punch card voting systems continues until widespread problems in the 2000 US presidential election prompt these systems to be banned by the Help America Vote Act of 2002. Roy G. Saltman "Accuracy, Integrity, and Security in Computerized Vote-Tallying," NBS Special Publication 500-158, Aug. 1988 https://votingmachines.procon.org/historical-timeline/