How Did People Vote in Ancient Elections?

The Unique Voting Methods of Ancient Democracies

Ancient democracies were renowned for their inventive and varied voting methods, reflecting the distinct values and social structures of the time. In Athens, the birthplace of democracy, selection methods prioritized inclusivity and avoided wealth bias.

In Athens, most officials were chosen through a system called sortition, where citizens were randomly selected to serve. Voting in the Assembly involved all male citizens raising their hands to express their opinions. This direct engagement aimed to ensure that every voice mattered.

Athenian jurors utilized small stones for secret ballots. Each juror cast a stone signifying their verdict, maintaining the confidentiality of their choice. Unique elections like ostracism allowed citizens to exile those perceived as threats to democracy, showcasing Athens' unique systems of checks and balances.

Contrary to Athens, Rome's voting systems highlighted class divisions. Wealthy citizens held immense power, as their votes were counted first. The introduction of secret ballots in 139 B.C. aimed to diminish this influence, indicating the evolving nature of Roman democracy.

Campaigning in the Roman Republic involved extensive public engagements, where candidates directly sought support from constituents. This practice foreshadowed the modern campaign strategies used in today’s political landscape, showcasing the long-standing relationship between voters and candidates.

Athens: Sortition and Public Assemblies

In ancient Athens, sortition was the primary method for selecting individuals to serve in government roles. This practice ensured that officeholders were chosen at random, promoting a fair representation of the citizen body. The system aimed to diminish the power of the wealthy elite, empowering all eligible male citizens to partake in governance.

Members of Athens' Council of 500 were chosen through sortition. Each of the ten tribes contributed 50 citizens to serve for one year, fostering a diverse assembly. This random selection process encouraged participation and challenged the prevailing notion that only the aristocracy could govern effectively.

The Assembly, known as the ekklēsia, played a crucial role in Athenian democracy. Comprising thousands of male citizens, it convened regularly to debate and vote on laws, policies, and judicial matters. Decisions were made through visible voting, emphasizing the importance of presence and direct participation in the democratic process.

Rather than relying on private ballots, Athenian voting was public and transparent. Citizens raised hands to express their opinions, which helped maintain accountability among participants. This openness was considered vital to the integrity of the democratic process, contrasting sharply with modern voting methods.

Rome: Wealthy Influence and Secret Ballots

In the Roman Republic, elections were structured to reflect the social hierarchy, where the wealthiest citizens exerted the most influence. Voting occurred in multiple assemblies, with the Centuriate Assembly holding the power to elect high-ranking officials. Wealthy voters had the privilege of voting first, known as "praerogativa," allowing them to dominate the decision-making process.

The Centuriate Assembly comprised representatives from various classes, but the voting system favored the affluent. Once a majority from the wealthiest class was reached, voting would cease, effectively sidelining the less wealthy citizens. This unequal system meant that the political interests of the rich often overshadowed the needs of the lower classes, deepening societal divides.

To counter growing corruption and the influence of money in politics, Rome introduced secret ballots in 139 B.C. Voters used wooden tablets coated with wax to inscribe their choices privately. This change marked a significant shift towards more democratic practices, as it reduced the pressure from wealthy sponsors on voters.

Roman elections also showcased early forms of campaigning. Office-seekers had a limited window to promote themselves, primarily in public forums. Graffiti advertising and informal gatherings were common, reflecting the dynamic interplay of personal influence and public opinion in the political landscape of ancient Rome.