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Open Election, Britain
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Open Election, Britain
Scene at a hustings in the days of OPEN ELECTRION, before the secret ballot was finally introduced in 1872 after being rejected time and time again
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 597839
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10147626
1840 1872 Ballot Days Election Elections Finally Hustings Introduced Rejected Secret
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the scene at a hustings in Britain during the era of Open Elections, around 1840. The image offers a glimpse into the past, before the secret ballot was finally introduced in 1872. In this open election system, voters would publicly declare their chosen candidate, often under the scrutiny of their peers and community. Rejected numerous times before its implementation, the secret ballot was a significant reform aimed at protecting the privacy and integrity of the voting process. The photograph shows a lively and engaged crowd gathered around a platform, where candidates would make their speeches and address the voters. The atmosphere is tense and passionate, as the men in the image listen intently to the speakers, some nodding in agreement while others appear skeptical or even opposed. The women in the background are watching the proceedings with keen interest, their faces expressing a range of emotions from curiosity to concern. The open election system was not without its challenges and controversies. Voters could be influenced by their neighbors, employers, or even threatened or bribed. The secrecy of the ballot box was considered essential to ensuring fair and free elections, as it allowed voters to cast their ballots based on their genuine preferences without fear of retaliation or coercion. This photograph is an important reminder of the historical significance of the secret ballot and the role it played in shaping the democratic process in Britain. The introduction of the secret ballot marked a crucial turning point in the history of elections, paving the way for more equitable and representative political systems.
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