Secret ballot

The secret ballot is a voting method in which a voter's choices are confidential. The key aim is to ensure the voter records a sincere choice by forestalling attempts to influence the voter by intimidation or bribery. It is also known as the Australian ballot, because it originated in Australia during the 1850s.

Related Topics:
Voter - Intimidation - Bribery - Australia - 1850s

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The system is one means of achieving the goal of political privacy. Secret ballots are suitable for many different voting systems.

Related Topics:
Political privacy - Voting system

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In the most basic form, the system provides for pre-printed ballot papers with the name of the candidates and respective checkbox. Provisions are made at the polling place for the voter to record their preferences in secret. These ballots are then placed into sealed boxes and emptied later for counting. The ballots are specifically designed to prevent anyone from linking voter to ballot.

Related Topics:
Ballot

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