[EL] Rides to polls - history

[Graeme Orr]

Surprised to hear debate about 'conveyance' to the polls.  This is such an
18th-mid 19th century issue!   My phd was on electoral bribery, its common
law history and modern manifestations.  When polling was on market days, in
towns at the centre of a county that was hard to get to, conveyances could
seem sus.  But even by the 1854 Corrupt Practices Prevention Act (UK)
conveyances are lawful; only paying 'travelling expenses' is prohibited.
Largely as it was an easy way of hiding a bribe. By the 1883 Act the focus
is on keeping costs down (ie indirect pressure on integrity, and a direct
concern with equality).  So that Act outlaws the use of hired vehicles.
I don't know of any 20th century cases in the non-US common law: other than
an infamous Cook Island election challenge.   There, Cook Islanders living
in NZ were given airplane rides home:  nothing de minimis about that!

Enjoy the big ritual next Tuesday.   Many down here will be watching in …
fascination.

Graeme Orr
Prof, Law, University of Queensland, Australia
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