Yes, it is!! And your vote counts! Looking back, there is a rich history of print and voting ballots that has evolved significantly over time. In the early 19th century US voters used simple pieces of paper to write down their voting choices. As political parties became more organized, they began printing pre-filled ballots. Known as “tickets,” these listed only valid candidates. But this practice led to concerns about voter privacy and manipulation, prompting the adoption of the Australian ballot system in the late 1800s. First used in Australia back in 1858, the government printed ballots with all the candidates listed and allowed voter’s choices to remain secret.
The introduction of printed ballots was a major step forward in ensuring the integrity and privacy of the voting process. Before this, voting was often done publicly, either by voice or by signing one’s name under a candidate’s name on a public ballot. Moving to printed ballots, voters were allowed more privacy and security. By the late 19th century, the Australian ballot system had been widely adopted in the United States. Therefore, marking a significant shift towards standardized and confidential voting.
Printed Paper Ballots Still Used Today
Throughout the 20th century, various forms of printed ballots continued to be used, even as new voting technologies emerged. The infamous “hanging chad” controversy during the 2000 U.S. presidential election made clear the issues with punch card ballots, reinforcing the need for a paper trail. Consequently, many states use a combination of paper and electronic systems to balance security, accessibility, and efficiency in elections.
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