The Ballot Box

David Cannadine continues examining the origins, symbolism and contemporary significance of the objects and emblems that underpin the British constitution.

In episode 3, he’s looking at the ballot box as a key ‘material of state' which, unlike ceremonial objects of British governance, is used directly by the public in democratic elections.

Despite other countries adopting electronic voting, the UK still relies on paper ballots, sealed and swiftly transported for hand-counting. David traces the ballot box’s origins to the 1872 Pontefract by-election, the first to use the secret ballot. Secret voting marked a major break with corrupt and coercive public voting, though most adults, especially women, remained disenfranchised for decades. The ballot box became a powerful symbol in the women’s suffrage movement until equal voting rights were achieved in 1928. Humble but essential, David argues that the ballot box underpins British democracy because elections are ultimately decided by the votes placed inside it.

Contributors in order of appearance:
James Pack, Head of Electoral Services and Registrars at Royal Borough of Greenwich
Dave Evans, curator of Pontefract Museum
Dr Mari Takayanagi, Historian and Heritage Professional

Presented by Professor Sir David Cannadine
Series Producer: Melissa FitzGerald
Series Researcher: Martin Spychal
Sound Mixing: Tony Churnside

The series has been made in association with the History of Parliament Trust

A Zinc Audio production for BBC Radio 4