CANVASSING FOR VOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14867, 19 December 1911, Page 5

CANVASSING FOR VOTES.

Sir,—l am sure most of the electors ia this Dominion will] agree with me that the law should be amended in the direction of absolutely prohibiting the canvassing for and soliciting of votes at elections. The. manner in which electors are pestered by the committees and supporters of candidates is simply scandalous, and should not be tolerated. What right has any person to go to an elector and say: " I suppose you are going to vote for Mr. So-and-so," or t " Are you on our- side?" or " Of course you are going to vote for Mr. . So-and-so?" or " Will you vote on our side?" etc., etc., and other similar impertinent questions too numerous to mention. The right to vote is a sacred privilege to be pxoroißod freely and voluntarily, without pressure, fear, ooeroion, intimidation, solicitation,. or promise; of reward, and according to the dictates of the voter's t conscience. Of course, • the candidate Would always be, permitted *to publicly V address the electors and solicit their eup-"; port from the platform, and he would also Be v allowed to ' print. in th newspapers.' or otherwise, - and circulate his speeches,' etc., : but the engaging of paid or voluntary can-it" vassers , to pester people for- their votes, *or to solicit votes during an election should certainly be an offence, and < punishable l as " suoh by ~ heavy fine. What is the use of * having voting by 'ballot if there is really no secrecy. .* The •> voter's • right to record ' his : ■" vote is a private right, and in my opinion no-person has any business to directly or' , indirectly endeavour ,to ascertain how the A vote will.be. cast. I . sincerely hope the law will '.be'- amended, . and that -j canvassing (a"' real public nuisance) for votes will < be absolutely prohibited. ' , . . Eleotob. . . >"■ ,■ iwviiS i l '