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40 CITIZENSHIP AND SUFFRAGE IN MARYLAND.
great intimidation was practised.' The Legislature, in 1860, declared the
preceding election in Baltimore void "for tumult, riot, intimidation, fraud
and injustice," and, on the last day of its session, passed an Election Bill
and a Police Bill, that the Police should lie appointed by a Board of four
Commissioners, and not by the Mayor. As a result the reform movement
carried the city in the Autumn of 1860 by 7,941 majority. The new police,
and
the stringent martial law maintained in Baltimore daring the Civil War,
broke the power of the roughs, and no such gross intimidation llas since
occurred. It has always, however, been a peculiarity of Maryland politics,
that intimidation anti fraud have been tile greatest evils in Baltimore, and
bribery in the counties.
With the Act' of 1860 began the precinct system in Baltimore. The Board
of Police, are directed to divide the wards into a liven number of precincts
prescribed for ea,oh ward. *These precincts are to be as nearly equal in
popu-
lation as is possible, with regard to the proximity and concentration of the
several parts and the convenience of the voters. The precincts v-ere to be
numbered in each ward from one upward, anti the list should be published in
the newspapers. At any time, the Board of Police lead power to re-arrange
the
precincts within the several wards, but could not touch ward lines.
Precincts.
ore to contain on tile average 4:~0 voters, and men can only vote in the
precinct
wherein they reside. Judges of election are appointees of tile Police Board,
and serve for one y ear. After such service they are exempt for four years,
if they
so desire. The ;j uclges of election select the polling place, as near the
centre
of tile precinct as play be, upon an open, public street in a free,
accessible, and
convenient location, and not in a tavern or liquor store. They tire to take
measures to prevent crowding and interruption of the voters coming to and
going front the polls and to protect voters and the ballot-boxes, being
entitled
to call on any one for assistance. Election' Clerks are also appointed by
the
Police Board, who are farther custodians of the ballot-bogies and the
ballots.
Liquor stores' and bar-rooms are to be closed on election days. The
Grand awry, sitting at: the time of election, must not adjourn before
acting on
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