First Australian (Secret) Ballot in the US: Louisville, Kentucky, 1888

The Australian Ballot (government-printed, secret, official list of candidates) debuted in the United States in:

• City: Louisville, Kentucky
• Year: 1888
• Election: Municipal (Mayor/Council)
• Context: Rampant vote buying, intimidation, "tissue ballots," party-printed tickets. Louisville reformers (Commercial Club) pushed state law.

Rapid Spread

Massachusetts (1888 statewide), then 38 states by 1892. Grover Cleveland first president elected entirely by secret ballot (1892).

Core Features (Then & Now)

1. Printed at public expense.
2. Lists all candidates.
3. Distributed only at polls.
4. Marked in private booth.
5. Deposited in sealed box.

Revolutionized electoral integrity.