a ballot marking system and apparatus for marking a paper ballot listing a plurality of candidates which includes a marking space for each candidate which can be either hand - marked by a voter , or machine - marked by the marking apparatus . the marking apparatus includes a touchscreen device on which the voter can enter his selections . the touchscreen is pivotally mounted atop the ballot marking apparatus such that it fits within a recess in the apparatus housing when in its closed position , and is ergonomically presented to the voter when in its open position .