4 ASSESSED POLLS, ETC. [Jan. 



number indicated by the ])allot-box register, it would seem 

 advisable not to require registers on ballot-boxes. 



There was a general expression of approval of the present 

 method of counting and canvassing the votes, and of the 

 blank forms furnished for that purpose. The length of time 

 required to make the "double count," and the popular 

 demand for the earliest practicable announcement of the 

 results of elections, led to the suggestion in many cases that 

 if the doul)le count is to be continued, permission should be 

 granted, under proper restrictions, to count the ballots 

 during the progress of the voting. 



Several changes in the manner and method of counting 

 and canvassing the votes were suggested, but none on which 

 there is a general agreement ; but there appears to be a gen- 

 eral desire that no additional experiments be tried, except 

 those that will simplify matters, until there is time to 

 become familiar with the present methods. 



Among others which seem worthy of attention is the sug- 

 gestion that the cards of instructions and specimen ballots 

 be sent separate from the official ballots, and that city and 

 town clerks be required to cause the same to be posted up in 

 the polling places on the day of election prior to the opening 

 of the polls, thus saving much valuable time. 



A general desire was expressed that the names of candi- 

 dates be printed on the tally- sheets, but it is not deemed 

 practicable, as this would necessitate the preparation, print- 

 inji and sendino; out of these sheets at the same time as the 

 printing and distribution of the ballots, which might result 

 in one or both failing to reach their destination as provided 



by law. 



Election Officers. 



It has been suggested, and it would seem advisable, that, 

 in addition to the qualifications now required by law, 

 kppointivc election officers and tellers should possess the 

 necessary qualifications to perform properly the clerical ser- 

 vices required of them, such qualifications to be determined 

 by a simple examination, and a list of qualified persons kept 

 in the office of each city and town clerk. 



The provisions of law relative to the appointment of tellers 

 in towns at state elections and at town elections, under chap- 



