Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
58.16 |
Object Name |
Box, Ballot |
Title |
Ballot Box |
Artist |
Dearborn, Benjamin |
Place of Origin |
Boston, Massachusetts, United States |
Date |
1823 |
Description |
Wooden box on legs, with a hinged aperture in the top, drawer in front, and carrying handle beneath. Unmarked. The box has a wide slot in the back, below which it is divided into one open compartment and one closed compartment, the latter having a hole in the cover and housing a drawer opening from the front. The top of the box has the form of a shallow tray having a hinged trap-door at one end. This door is directly above the open compartment. (Robert P. Multhauf, "Catalogue of Instruments and Models," 1961). |
Label |
In the early 19th century, private-ballot voting began to replace show-of-hands and vocal voting in the United States. From 1808 to 1840, the APS received several ballot boxes designed for electing new members. In 1823, Benjamin Dearborn presented an "improved" ballot box, similar to an earlier one he designed for the Society in 1808 (58.15). An accompanying letter explained that this box was "calculated to conceal the manner of Voting and to be used by the Society of their elections." |
Material |
Wood |
Dimensions |
H-13.688 W-10.875 D-7.375 inches |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
19th century nineteenth century election |