en

The landmark Ballot Act was passed. It introduced a secret ballot in British elections.

Add an event picture!
Date:
18.07.1872

The Ballot Act 1872 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that introduced the requirement that parliamentary and local government elections in the United Kingdom be held by secret ballot

Employers and land owners had been able to use their sway over employees and tenants to influence the vote, either by being present themselves or by sending representatives to check on the votes as they were being cast. Radicals, such as the Chartists, had long campaigned for this system to end with the introduction of a secret ballot.

The Representation of the People Act 1867 (the Second Reform Act) enfranchised the skilled working class in borough constituencies, and it was felt that, due to their economic circumstances, these voters would be particularly susceptible to bribery, intimidation, or blackmail.

The radical John Bright expressed concerns that tenants would face the threat of eviction were they to vote against the wishes of their landlord. It fell to Edward Aldam Leatham, husband of John Bright's sister, to introduce the Ballot Act on leave.

Many within the establishment had opposed the introduction of a secret ballot

Related events

NameDateLanguages
1Latvija – pirmā ES dalībvalsts, kas ratificē CETALatvija – pirmā ES dalībvalsts, kas ratificē CETA23.02.2017lv
2 Helsinki Final Act Helsinki Final Act01.08.1975en, lv, ru
3The House of Commons voted by a majority of 112 for Britain to join the EECThe House of Commons voted by a majority of 112 for Britain to join the EEC28.10.1971en, lv
4Gadu pēc angļu un īru līguma noslēgšanas nodibināta Īrijas brīvvalstsGadu pēc angļu un īru līguma noslēgšanas nodibināta Īrijas brīvvalsts06.12.1922lv, pl
5Stājās spēkā Latvijas Republikas SatversmeStājās spēkā Latvijas Republikas Satversme07.11.1922lv, ru
6The Independence Day of LatviaThe Independence Day of Latvia18.11.1918de, en, fr, lt, lv, pl, ru
7Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone of the Victoria and Albert Museum in LondonQueen Victoria laid the foundation stone of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London17.05.1899en, lv
8United States purchases AlaskaUnited States purchases Alaska30.03.1867en, lv, pl, ru
9
Queen Victoria gave Royal Assent to the British North America Act, which established the Dominion of Canada on 1 July29.03.1867en, pl
10Tiek dibināta Ainažu jūrskolaTiek dibināta Ainažu jūrskola23.11.1864lv
11Queen Victoria opened the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park, LondonQueen Victoria opened the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park, London01.05.1851en, lv
12
Queen Victoria proclaimed Hong Kong a British crown colony05.04.1843en
13John Francis fired a shot at Queen Victoria on Constitution Hill, LondonJohn Francis fired a shot at Queen Victoria on Constitution Hill, London30.05.1842en, lv
14Queen Victoria became the first British monarch to move into Buckingham PalaceQueen Victoria became the first British monarch to move into Buckingham Palace13.07.1837en
15Upon the death of William IV, Queen Victoria became the British monarch and ruled until 1901Upon the death of William IV, Queen Victoria became the British monarch and ruled until 190121.06.1837en, lv
16"Bostonas tējas pārtija""Bostonas tējas pārtija"16.12.1773lv, pl
17Peter the Great abolished the tax for men sporting a beardPeter the Great abolished the tax for men sporting a beard06.04.1722en, lv
18The Scottish Parliament ratified the Act of Union. Creation of Great Britain The Scottish Parliament ratified the Act of Union. Creation of Great Britain 16.01.1707en, lv
19The Habeas Corpus Act became lawThe Habeas Corpus Act became law27.05.1679en, lv, pl
20Tiek apstiprināti Piltenes statūtiTiek apstiprināti Piltenes statūti28.10.1611lv

Map

    Persons

    Name Born / Since / At Died Languages
    1Queen VictoriaQueen Victoria24.05.181922.01.1901en, lv, pl, ru
    Tags