Tools and methods for ballot counting

A ballot counting tool, comprising

• a sheet material having a predetermined number of receptacles for receiving ballot papers respectively, the receptacles being adjacent to each other and aligned in a grid pattern;
• at least one catch on the sheet material for keeping the ballot sheets to the receptacles respectively, the at least one catch having multiple recesses configured to be affixed to the ballot papers;
• a detachable clasp configured to be joined to another ballot counting tool;
• and
• a tally record identity providing a clear demarcated area to paste the ballot papers, wherein an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag is embedded in the tally record identity;
• wherein the receptacles are configured to be fitted to the ballot sheets respectively;
• wherein the ballot counting tool is made of a laminated paper comprising an adhesive sheet on a bottom side, a backing sheet on a top side, and a liner sheet sandwiched between the adhesive sheet and the backing sheet, wherein the liner sheet has a waxed surface at the adhesive sheet and a non-waxed surface at the backing sheet, and wherein the backing sheet extends to a horizontal peel line and is smaller than the liner sheet;
• wherein the ballot counting tool has a rectangular shape in order to facilitate handling thereof;
• and
• wherein each of the receptacles has a smaller size than a corresponding one of the ballot papers.