Page:The Wisconsin idea (IA cu31924032449252).pdf/124

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THE WISCONSIN IDEA

at all. The opponents of the law claim that it cannot be understood by the average voter, that it will cause all kinds of mistakes and will require a long time to tabulate results. Its supporters admit this last contention but maintain that it is not serious and that the tally sheets inserted in the law will make it easily and correctly counted by men of fair intelligence.

There was added to the primary at the 1911 session, a presidential preference law (chapter 300, laws of 1911).


"Section 11-26. Names of candidates for president and vice-president may be placed on ballot. 6. For the purpose of enabling every voter to express his choice for the nomination of candidates for president and vice-president of the United States, whenever there shall be filed with the secretary of state a petition as provided by section 30 of the statutes, the names of such candidates shall he certified to the county clerks, and shall he printed upon the official party ticket used at said election. No signature, statement, or consent shall be required to be filed by any such candidate."


Corrupt Practices

Before the law of 1911 was passed, Wisconsin had no limitation on corrupt practices except stringent laws as to bribery and contribution of campaign funds by corporations. It cannot be said however, that it was not without defences from corruption. From the moment the publicity features of the railroad commission and