Created by
Computer Election Systems, Inc., American, founded 1969
Date
ca. 1990
Medium
aluminum, metal, plastic, rubber, paper, glass, and elastic
Dimensions
briefcase: 4 x 22 x 21 1/2 in. (10.2 x 55.9 x 54.6 cm)
when set up as voting booth: 61 x 28 3/4 x 26 1/4 in. (154.9 x 73 x 66.7 cm)
Description
A Votomatic III vote recorder that folds up into a metal briefcase with a black plastic handle when closed. The briefcase has four circular rubber pads on each side. A sticker near the handle of the briefcase has a barcode and black text that reads “PROPERTY OF LEE COUNTY ELECTIONS 00000005.” Inside the briefcase there are four metal legs (2013.181.2b-e). The metal legs consist of two rods that are connected through elastic string on their inside. The legs fit into four holes in the bottom of the briefcase. Adhered to the inside of the briefcase top is a large informational graphic with black type titled “Voting Instructions.” A power chord attaches to a fluorescent light bulb on the top of the briefcases inside. Two plastic walls fold out of the briefcase and attach to the sides of the briefcase to shield the voting surface. On the inside of the briefcase's bottom is a surface for the voting ballot. At the center of the surface is a clear plastic cover with several small holes that goes over the ballot and is used in punching holes in the ballot. Directly above this plastic cover is a slot with instructions that read, “INSERT CARD HERE” with an arrow pointing down. Also directly above the plastic cover are the instructions “DO NOT FOLD BALLOT PRIOR TO INSERTING!!!” To the left of the plastic cover are instructions in black type. To the right of the plastic cover is red type. In the top right corner of the voting surface is a metal chain connected to a metal point meant to be held by the voter. In the bottom right corner of the voting surface is a black and grey sticker that reads, “CES VOTOMATIC.”
Place used
Lee County, Florida, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Tools and Equipment
Memorabilia and Ephemera - Political and Activist Ephemera
Type
ballot boxes
Topic
Politics
Suffrage
Technology
U.S. History, 1969-2001
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2013.181.2a-e
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd53937cb2d-d88b-4443-b740-76492b71f503

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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