THE SECRET BALLOT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27259, 9 December 1949, Page 9

THE SECRET BALLOT

Sir, —I cannot regard the answer given to my previous letter as either adequate or satisfactory. I agree with the point that under any system of voting means must be provided whereby a voter can be identified, but there is a fundamental distinction between identifying a voter and identifying his actual ballot paper. Identification of a person is possible by a variety of .means such as passports, identity cards, fingerprints, or personal declaration. Consequently, the claim that identification of the actual vote cast is necessary to identify the voter passes my comprehension. It is probably true that the present system operates effectively and without improper intent, but that does not mean it is wholly satisfactory. The fact remains that the vote of each person is indexed and can be traced back to him. It is claimed that the returning officer is the only person who has access to the votes after they have been counted, but- polling officers, scrutineers, and others are mentioned as persons who might learn how a given person voted. Certain safeguards are given, but I regard the very possibility that the substance of an individual’s vote can be traced as an infringement of his personal rights. Consequently, I still hold that the situation should be investigated, and would like to know when and by whom the present system was introduced.—l am, etc.. Concerned.