Balloting

Balloting, the actual process of voting, may be done in a variety of ways. The secret ballot has become almost universal, but in the past choice was expressed publicly by a show of hands, by standing up, by announcing one's vote aloud, or by dropping colored balls into a container. The paper ballot is still widely used, but special precautions are taken to assure secrecy. During most of the 19th century in the United States, political parties printed their own ballots on paper of different colors and shapes so they could be identified as they were dropped into the ballot box. These ballots invited intimidation of voters and encouraged corruption through vote buying. Eventually the individual states adopted the Australian ballot, so called because it had been used in Victoria state, Australia. The purpose of the Australian ballot is secrecy and honesty in voting. The law requires that the ballot be printed or prepared at public expense and, if printed on paper, be of uniform size and color. It must list all candidates legally entitled to have their names included and must be distributed or available only at polling places where the voting is done in private booths.

In the United States paper ballots have been largely replaced by voting machines. Votes are cumulated on the machines, and when the voting is completed, the totals can be read off. Some U.S. districts have introduced electronic balloting, in which voters mark cards that are run through a machine for rapid counting. Although voting machines furnish no tangible evidence of the voters' intentions beyond the recorded totals, electronic voting permits the ballots to be examined and recounted in case of a dispute.

Demands for recounts of the vote in Florida and other states were a major issue in the extremely close presidential election of 2000. Disputes over the same election led many critics to urge a reform of the balloting system; they alleged that some voters may have been disenfranchised because the machine count failed to register their ballots or because poorly designed cards caused them to vote for the

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  The 2000 Presidential Election by Elaine Landau SET FEATURES:     Expanded subject coverage     Subheadings clarify what text is about     Informative sidebars integrated with text highlight areas of interest     Glossary words now boldfaced in text     Comprehensive timelines     "To Find Out More" sections and index now in every volume   REVIEWS:  < $18.20 You save: 30% Library Binding | Grades 4-6

  
  The 2000 Presidential Election
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  Decisions, Decisions: On the Campaign Trail The next election is right around the corner. Are your students ready? This simulation puts your class right in the thick of a presidential election. Role-playing a bold third party candidate, they rocket into the limelight and are immediately pressed for their positions on everything from the economy to health care to crime. Every move is critical! Your class will also get a thorough grounding in the electoral process, party politics, campaign finance, the role of PACS and the press -- from $149.00 CD-ROM | Grades 5-10

  
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Election 2008: Early Voting Begins
The last two presidential elections frustrated voters because of hours-long waits and technical hang-ups that impeded voting. Early voting is aimed at reducing some of that stress, especially important this year since officials are expecting a record turnout.

Election 2008: Two Big Elections Saturday
Fresh off a big win in Michigan, Mitt Romney turned his attention to South Carolina and Nevada this week. South Carolina Republicans will vote in a primary in this Saturday. Both Democrats and Republicans in Nevada will caucus to make their choices for the presidential nomination on Saturday, as well.

Election 2008: Voting Is Important for Kids Too
The League of Women Voters isn't just for women -- it's for all voters. Kid Reporter Mariam El Hasan talks to the President of the Los Angeles chapter of the League and finds out why voting is important for kids, too.