A man who does not care whether he
votes, is not likely to care much which way he votes; and he who is in
that state of mind has no moral right to vote at all; since, if he
does so, a vote which is not the expression of a conviction, counts
for as much, and goes as far in determining the result, as one which
represents the thoughts and purposes of a life."- Thoughts, etc., p.
39.
The polling places should be so numerous as to be within easy
reach of every voter; and no expenses of conveyance, at the cost of
the candidate, should be tolerated under any pretext. The infirm,
and they only on medical certificate, should have the right of
claiming suitable carriage conveyance, at the cost of the State, or of
the locality. Hustings, poll clerks, and all the necessary machinery
of elections, should be at the public charge. Not only the candidate
should not be required, he should not be permitted, to incur any but a
limited and trifling expense for his election. Mr. Hare thinks it
desirable that a sum of L50 should be required from every one who
places his name on the list of candidates, to prevent persons who have
no chance of success, and no real intention of attempting it, from
becoming candidates in wantonness or from mere love of notoriety,
and perhaps carrying off a few votes which are needed for the return
of more serious aspirants. There is one expense which a candidate or
his supporters cannot help incurring, and which it can hardly be
expected that the public should defray for every one who may choose to
demand it; that of making his claims known to the electors, by
advertisements, placards, and circulars.
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