I8

There are three movements now on foot with
reference to the qualifications of electors : the first
has for its object the assimilation of the borough
and county franchise, by giving the towns a number
 of representatives in proportion to population,
and in other ways strengthening the town representation
 ; the second relates to the so-called wznzversal
 suffrage, or the giving of a vote to every male
who has attained the age of 21, and who is not personally
 disqualified ; the Z4:7d is the proposal to
admit women, who are otherwise qualified, to an
equal right to vote with men. The first of these
movements advanced a stage by the extension of
the franchise in 1884 and by lowering the qualifications.


The mode of election comprises two questions,
namely, the value of each vote, and the manner in
which the votes are given. As to the zelue of cack
vote, the general rule is that each elector has as
many votes as there are members to be elected for
his constituency, but an elector need not use more
than one of his votes, and must not give more than
one vote to one candidate. Under this system the
election is determined entirely by the majority of
votes ; and the minority, who might amount to half
the nation, are thus entirely unrepresented. To
meet these evils several remedies have been pros
posed. One of them is now being tried in a few
parliamentary constituencies, and another in elec
tions to school boards.