United States House of Representatives: History, Art, & Archives
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Tally Clerk's Pencil

Blue pencil stub with partially visible text reading, “E 420T 846” and a worn-down eraser/tiles/collection/2/26749.xml
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Blue pencil stub with partially visible text reading, “E 420T 846” and a worn-down eraser
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Date

2012-2013

Dimensions

3 x 1/4 in. (7.6 x 0.6 cm)

Accession Number

2013.009.001

Credit Line

Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives

Object Details

This tiny pencil is one of the tools of the House. In 2013, a House Tally Clerk compiled the votes for the Speaker of the House with this old-fashioned instrument. Tally clerks have traditionally sat to the left of the Clerk’s lectern. While pencils have been the mainstay of tally clerks since the 1800s, tally clerks began operating the electronic voting system as well in 1973.

Rights and Reproduction Information

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Electronic Voting Station
Methods of Voting in the United States Congress
Methods of Voting in the United States Congress

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House Chamber
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Office of the Historian: history@mail.house.gov
Office of Art & Archives, Office of the Clerk: art@mail.house.gov, archives@mail.house.gov