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Voting by secret ballot
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Voting by secret ballot
A parliamentary election, voting by secret ballot was only introduced in Britain in 1872 with Gladstones Ballot Act removing the possible intimidation of open voting
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 570800
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10001778
1872 1873 Ballot Election Elections Gladstones Introduced Parliamentary Removing Secret Voter Voters Votes Voting Ballots Intimidation
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures the essence of a pivotal moment in British political history: the implementation of secret ballot voting in parliamentary elections. The image, taken in the 1870s, showcases the new voting process that was introduced through Gladstone's Ballot Act of 1872. Prior to this legislation, voters were required to cast their ballots in public, leaving them susceptible to intimidation and coercion. The 19th century was a transformative period in British politics, and the adoption of the secret ballot was a significant step towards ensuring the integrity and fairness of elections. In the photograph, we see a voter carefully examining his ballot paper, shielded from prying eyes by the innovative curtain system. The secrecy of the ballot allowed voters to express their political preferences freely, without fear of reprisals or retribution. The Ballot Act of 1872 was a landmark piece of legislation that not only transformed the electoral process but also had far-reaching implications for democracy in Britain. The introduction of the secret ballot marked a crucial turning point in the evolution of democratic institutions and paved the way for more inclusive and representative elections in the future. This photograph serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of the right to vote and the role that innovative legislation can play in shaping the political landscape.
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