Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1851-04-15
MODES OF VOTING.

The relative merits Of voting by ballot or TirG
r0ce, at our popular elections, has engaged oc-
casional attention in this country, and ls a taVo-
rite topic of discussion among those OF more ma
ture age as well as in college debating societies
in which it claims frequently an Importance
hardly inferior to the renowned question whether
Caesar was great man. A recent proceeding
of the Senate of Massachusetts, seems to show q
determination, as far that body can control the
subject, to set decided example in favor Of the
mode which it emphaticalDy terms the secret bal.
lot system. Not content with the plan adopted
in other States in which the vote by ballot pre-
walls, where the name Of the preferred candidate
is simply written or printed on piece OF paper
and dropped into the box, the Massachusetts
Senate ordains that each ballot shall be sealed
up in an envelope before the voter deposits it
The National IntelEigencer, remarkng upon this
proposition, and the merits Of the various modes
of voting. holds the following language:
"Apart from the cumbro1sness of the proceed
inc, il may be doubted If that mode would be
efficacious in securing greater freedom and Purl-
ty in elections, and whether the opportunity at.
forded for the indulgence bad faith and the con-
cealment Of duplicity may not well counterbal-
ance any disadvantages supposed to arise from
an open declaration of q preference, such as q
want of independence aud iearlessnesS OF oPin-
ion nr the dread of opposing oneself 10 an int1n-
ence which might be hnrtlul TO the interests OF
an adverse voter. We believe the day has pass
country. Even in Europe, where the ballot has
been thought necessary, we apPrehend that the
danger Of undue influence over the electors, nm.
der the oral voting, has been exaggerated; and
though doubtless, many cases OF corruption have
occurred yetthey have tended to work their own
cure. Takerhe case Of Sadler's election in Eng
land in 1870 in which the Duke of Newcastle
turned ont ali his tenants because they would not
support his candidate a fragrant Injustice which
was chars scterized as boroygh h-sOngering By an
indignant public, and had probably norlittle part
in bringing about the reforms which soon after
followed. So in France, where the power and
patronage of the government are far more openly
exercised 70 control important elections Il has
happened that the independence of the elective
franchise has been asserted, as in 1897, where,
in spite OF all the threats and persecution OF The
Minister Viliege, the people decided the elections
in favor Of their own candidates, and the govern,
iLent waa lea in minority. The TegOlution q
July may tell the rest.s,
q II may be from early prejudiees but We can
not help thinking the Eird v6ee voting as pFac
TIseu sonIs -sss
pie, and more ID aeeordlnee with the genius 5ant
general practice o. Dur country. In Yirginia
/ Iof. .exampIe how is the machinery Of election
managed . Can any thing be more plain, NOR.
fitted 10 encourage the straightforward tearies.
/ CONDUCT Of a freeman, and 70 defeat hypocracj
and timid malice An electof presents himself
| in view and hearing Of all who choose 10 be pre-
sent, and demands 10 vote. The sheriff OF thf
county. asks his name, and what right he has e
vote. Being satIsfed on these points, be asks
for whom he votes, aud then proclaims in a loud
tone A. b. votes for G. D., and the vote Is re
corded Let any one visit an election precinct
and he will see how little the sturdy citizens care
whether they are In majority OF not, or WHO il
by TO hear the aeelaraIion Of their preference.-
Laughs and jests are freely poured out, and Is
frankly returned but no shame Is seen for haV-
ing openly ayowee his preference, though the
voter stand in a minority Of one 70 twenty