What specifically did the coders look for?
Coders recorded the condition of each ballot examined. Thus, for Votomatic (and to some extent Datavote) ballots, coders noted whether chads were dimpled and if so, whether light was shining through the dimple. (Each coder worked with a small light table that helped coders to examine for light.) Coders also noted whether chads were completely punched, or hanging by one, two or three corners. For optical scan ballots and any Votomatic or Datavote absentee ballots completed outside the voting booth, coders noted whether the ovals or arrows were fully filled or otherwise marked (with a check, slash, X, etc.) Coders noted whether there were stray marks on the ballot that would confuse a scanning machine and whether ballots were uncertified because the wrong color ink was used. Finally, coders recorded verbatim any written notations on the ballots.
