2018.061.001 [Machine, Voting]

This automatic voting machine was used in Shelby County, Iowa until the late 20th century. This machine's patent dates to June of 1911 and was produced by the Automatic Registering Machine Company in Jamestown, New York. The machine itself is a dark, forest green color and includes a matching green curtain. When voters came to cast their ballots, the machine would be switched on and the voter would pull the large lever overhead, which would open the machine for voting and close the outer curtain for privacy. Candidates were chosen with levers and write in candidates were inserted through slots at the top of the voting machine. When voters were done, they would pull the overhead leaver again, opening the curtain, and submitting their votes. Our voting machine is still functional and soon will be used in an interactive display about voting rights in Iowa and in the United States. The machine is significant because it can be used to talk about civic responsibility, government, and changes in technology. Content can be used with the following standards: 4th grade SS 4.25 Technological Change and 8th grade SS 8.25 Iowa Government in a lesson on the voting and election process during the early 1900s. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions.