The Secrets of the Ballot: Power and Politics Post-Civil War

This chapter explores the political landscape of the post-Civil War United States, contrasting the North's economic growth with the South's devastation while exposing widespread voter fraud. It examines the introduction of the secret ballot system, aimed at promoting electoral fairness but also inadvertently disenfranchising vulnerable populations, particularly in Southern states. The narrative critiques the evolution of voting from a communal act to a solitary choice, stressing the importance of viewing voting as a public responsibility.