"Roman Republican denarius showing citizens voting. One toga-clad citizen drops his voting tablet in the ballot box, while behind him another voter receives his tablet from an attendant below. Voters crossed elevated walkways or 'pontes' above their fellow citizens in order to reach the ballot box, so all could see that they had voted without any last-minute intimidation or interference by others.
To safeguard the integrity of elections, in 119 BC, the tribune Gaius Marius further narrowed the pons causeway leading to the ballot box, in order to prevent any non-voters from standing on the gangway and engaging in bribery or intimidation; literally, to ensure that there was 'no room' for interference."
from Gareth Harney, @OptimoPrincipi on twitter. His new book, Moneta: A History of Ancient Rome in Twelve Coins, is on my short list.
illustration: Denarius struck under the moneyer Publius Licinius Nerva in 112 BC, British Museum Collection
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Thank you! Our state (Washington) votes entirely by mail; there isn’t too much outside intimidation at the kitchen table.
ReplyDeleteNot Anonymous; Cam.
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