Some states have tried to simplify the ballot by reducing the number of offices filled by election. This short ballot centralizes the responsibility of government in a small body of elected officials, who appoint other officials. In ancient Athens, judges of the highest court generally gave their verdicts by dropping stone or metal balls into boxes. Balls that were pierced in the center or colored black stood for verdicts of condemnation. Unpierced or white balls meant acquittal.
Some clubs now use white and black balls to vote on new members.
Persons not admitted are said to be blackballed. The Romans generally used wooden tickets, or tabellae. When a change in law was proposed, those in favor marked the ballot with the letters U R, for Uti rogas, meaning as you ask. A vote against the change was indicated by the letter A for Antiguo, meaning for the old. In an election of candidates for public office, names of the candidates were written on ballots.