Meaning and Types of Ballot Voting system | Advantages and Disadvantages of Ballot Voting system

ELECTORAL SYSTEM OR ELECTORAL PROCESS 

An electoral system is also known as voting process. It is a set of rules and regulations that determine how elections and referendums are conducted. The whole system includes parties registration, voter registration, political campaign, accreditations, voting and declaration of results and dispute resolution.

BALLOT VOTING SYSTEM 

Ballot voting system is a system that uses ballot papers or e-voting for voting. A ballot paper is an election materials used by voters to cast their vote during election. Electronic voting (also known as e-voting) is voting that uses electronic means to either aid or take care of casting and counting ballots.

TYPES OF BALLOT VOTING SYSTEM 

There are two major types of voting system –

1. Open ballot system

2. Secret (close) ballot system

3. Open secret ballot system.

OPEN BALLOT SYSTEM

Open ballot system is a voting system in which voters vote openly. That’s, the voters line up behind the their candidate, object, logo or symbol that represents the party the are supporting. Sometimes, it is done by raising up their hands in support for their candidate or party. The candidate or party with the highest winner is declared winner of the election.

ADVANTAGES OF OPEN BALLOT SYSTEM 

1. It is easy to operate among a small group.

2. It is less expensive.

3. It is easy to determine the winner.

4. It is to identify those that vote for/against you.

5. It reduces election malpractices.

DISADVANTAGES OF OPEN BALLOT SYSTEM 

1. It creates enemies.

2. It is not situation for a large population.

3. It discourages eligible voters to vote.

4. It is uncivilized.

5. It exposes voters to all forms of intimidation, harassment, threat, etc.

SECRET BALLOT SYSTEM

Secret ballot system is a voting system in which voters vote secretly.  In this case, nobody knows who is voting because they vote secretly.

ADVANTAGES OF SECRET BALLOT SYSTEM 

1. It gives eligible voters the will to vote.

2. It discourages voter apathy.

3. It protects the voters.

DISADVANTAGES OF SECRET BALLOT SYSTEM 

1. It is time consuming.

2. It is too expensive.

3. It is difficult to operate where there is high level of illiterates.

OPEN SECRET BALLOT SYSTEM

Open secret ballot system is a system in which the voters vote secretly in the full view present of people. That’s, the voter thumbprints or makes choice on the ballot paper in secret and drops it in the ballot box (casts his vote) in the full view of all present.

ADVANTAGES OF OPEN SECRET BALLOT SYSTEM 

1. It gives eligible voters the will to vote.

2. It discourages voter apathy.

3. It protects the voters.

4. It is easy to mobilize eligible voters to vote.

ADVANTAGES OF OPEN SECRET BALLOT SYSTEM 

1. It is time consuming.

2. It is too expensive.

3. It exposes voters to all forms of intimidation, harassment, threat, etc.

QUESTIONS

1. state five types of electoral systems?

2. explain the meaning of ballot voting system.

3. state and explain the three types of ballot voting system.

4. list three advantages and three disadvantages of each type of ballot voting system.