THE MAGICAL SPELL OF BALLOTS

The whole nation is talking about the recent Karnataka elections and the unfolding twists and turns. Let’s glimpse into the breathtaking stories of elections around the world and how the power of the ballot galvanised them. 1

In the American election of 1824, he got only 31 per cent vote, while 41 per cent of voters backed Andrew Jackson who did not have enough votes to claim office. The Speaker of the House, Henry Clay became a presidential candidate and backed him against Jackson known as the “Corrupt Bargain.” Who is he? 2

Passed in 1997, this interesting Texas law allows an unbelievable opportunity for its citizens. The first of its kind vote was cast by David Wolf in 1997. Shane Kimbrough became one the latest American to cast his ballot in this manner. What is the peculiar opportunity? 3

Voting in this country is compulsory. Every citizen over 18 years is required by law to register to vote in federal elections. Anyone who doesn’t show up on the day of election is fined and failure to pay the fine results in even steeper penalties. Identify the country. 4

In this country, Ballot determines your citizenship. To become a citizen, you must either be married to a native citizen for three years, or live in the country for three years with a visa and have the entire country vote for whether or not you deserve citizenship. Identify the country. 5

Charles D. B. King, President of this country won an election with 234,000 votes in 1927. There were only 15,000 registered voters. This win made its way to be listed in the Guinness Book of

Records for the most fraudulent election reported in history. Identify the country.