The Ballot Act of 1872
A secret ballot at general elections had been a reformers’ demand since the seventeenth century. It was achieved two hundred years later, writes Robert Woodall, after much experience of bribery.
In the year 1833 General Sir Charles Napier published a book formidably entitled, ‘The Colonies, treating of their Value generally, and of the Ionian Islands in particular; Strictures on the Administration of Sir F. Adam.’
In it, having censured the refusal of the Ionian Islands’ government to introduce the ballot for the election of members to the Legislative Assembly, he went on to put the case for the same reform at home.
‘It really is amusing’, he wrote, ‘to hear men talk of its being un-English to vote by ballot. Why do the members of the United Services Club and all the other clubs vote by ballot if it is so vile? Are our generals and admirals so un-English? Do they, the chivalry of England, fear to say openly, “I vote against that gentleman’s admission?”
To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5.
Start my trial subscription now
If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.
Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.
