this will blow your mind, but there is discussion about how such a technology can "print" buildings (using concrete etc.). i have used 3d printers before... they are more addictive than [insert your favorite vice here]. in terms of elections, it is nice to get a 3D view of each candidate; not just the branded version that we see on commercials, but the real deal. social networking seems to have the power to render this missing 3rd dimension.

Hmmmm, I like crazy ideas! I saw 3D printers used at the SIGGRAPH conference last year in a fun way; visitors to this booth (I forget the name of the company) could edit a 3D model of a dog tag with either their name or a message on it, then have it sent to the machine where you could watch it print out. It was a cool twist on conference swag by giving visitors something really unique.

Playing off that application of the technology, what if 3D printers were used to give people a physical token after their ballot is scanned - like a personalized receipt along the lines of the classic "I Voted" sticker?

Following the classic rule of feedback in human-computer interaction (that essentially says a user should get some kind of response after making an input or any kind), the personalized token could reassure people that yes - their vote was indeed counted and here's a little something to commemorate it.

Great post! Why does voting how to be flat and 2D experience? Definitely got me thinking about the how physical layout, booths and voting devices could be improved upon in a unique way.