How to Use Punch Cards

Voting ballot.

Punch cards are used for many things today, including time cards and voting ballots. Punch cards are special types of cards that can keep track of the times that one works or to put in a political vote. Computers are used to tally up the votes for punch card ballots, while a manual reading and tallying must be done on time punch cards. Punch cards come in many different shapes and sizes and can be paired with booklets to ask questions, such as voting preferences.

Things You'll Need

• Stylus
• Punch card time machine

Instructions

Voting Ballot

1. Take your ballot and your booklet (if you are given one) to your assigned booth.

2. Read the questions carefully and all of the vote choices.

3. Mark the square by the corresponding number on your ballot with the corresponding letter of your vote. You mark the ballot using the stylus that is typically connected to the booth.

4. Repeat for all questions.

5. Turn in the ballot after you finish.

Time Card

1. Select the time card with your name on it.

2. Slide the card into the time card machine with the date lined up with the indicated point on the time machine.

3. Hold the card in the time machine until you here a stamping noise.

4. Pull the card out and replace in the holder.

References

• MIKids: How to Use a Punch Card Ballot