Ballot Marking Device

A ballot marking device (BMD) is an electronic system that assists voters in marking their ballot selections, typically producing a printed paper ballot as a verifiable record. Unlike direct recording electronic (DRE) voting machines that store votes digitally, BMDs produce a physical paper output that can be audited. Accessible BMDs offer multiple input modalities — such as touchscreen, voice, and switch access — along with audio output to enable voters with visual, motor, or cognitive disabilities to vote independently. The paper ballot output provides a security advantage by creating a voter-verifiable audit trail.