The Government Class Book

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g too numerous to meet in one assembly to make laws and transact the public business, elect a small number to represent them. But to elect these representatives and other officers, and to adopt the constitution, or fundamental

unty and every town have power to manage their local concerns. The corporate powers of counties and towns,

own officers are, in a majority of the states, held in the earlier part of the year. Most officers elected by the people, oth

inspectors of elections. Persons also, (usually two,) serve as clerks. Each clerk keeps a list of the names of the persons voting, which is called a poll-list. Poll, which is said to be a Saxon word, signifies head, and has come to mean person

er containing the names of the persons voted for, and the title of the office to which each of them is to be elected. Ballot, from the French, means a little ball, and is used in voting. Ballots are of different colo

elector, they may question him upon his oath in respect to his qualifications as to age, the term of his residence in the state and county, and citizenship. Any bystander also may question his right to vote.

d to vote. Thus many interruptions to voting by the examination of voters at the polls, and much illegal voting, are prevented. Voters in some states are also required to take what is called the "elector's oath,

er of names on the poll-lists, it is presumed no mistake has been made, either in voting or in keeping the lists. If the elec

from all the towns, determine and declare the election of the officers chosen for the county. To determine the election of state officers, and of such others as are elected for districts comprising more than one county, a statem

These words mean by word of mouth. In voting in this manner

the votes given. Suppose, for example, three candidates receive 1000 votes: One receives 450; another, 300; the third, 250 votes. The first, having the highest number, though not a majority, is elected. In the New England, or eas

may be elected by 251 votes, and against the wishes of nearly three-fourths of the electors. An objection to the other mode is, that if no person receives a majority of all the votes, another election mu