Iowa, Its Constitution and Laws (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1897 edition. Excerpt: ...State has its peculiar manner of balloting; but the essential features by which the voter is guarded from intimidation and improper influence, and the secrecy of the ballot preserved, are everywhere given special attention. 15. Australian Ballot--In Iowa, as in many of the states, the so-called Australian method of balloting has been adopted. By this method all the different party tickets are printed in parallel columns upon one large sheet. At the head of each ticket opposite the party name is placed a circle, O, and opposite the name of each individual candidate is placed a square, D. These ballots are furnished by public authority and placed in the hands of the judges of election at each polling-place. 16. Manner of Balloting--The person desiring to vote applies to the officers in charge of the polls and receives one of the sheets containing all the tickets as above described, and retires alone to a small stall or booth to prepare his ballot. If by reason of bodily infirmity or inability to read he cannot properly mark the ballot, he may have the assistance of one of the officers of the election. 17. Marking the Ballot--In the seclusion of the booth the voter proceeds to mark his ballot in favor-of the ticket or candidate of his choice. If he wishes to vote what is ordinarily called a "straight" party ticket he places a cross X in the circle which stands before the party name at the head of such ticket, and with this single mark his vote will be counted for all the candidates named under such heading. 18. Voting a "Mixed" or "Split" Ticket--If the voter desires to vote a ' mixed" or "split' ticket--that is, for the candidates of one party for certain offices and for the candidates of another party for...