World History

E. Second Decree for the Plebiscite.

December 4, 1851. Duvergier, Lois, LI, 479.

Duvergier, J. B., et al. Collection complète des lois, decrets, ordonnances, reglements, avis du Conseil d’État. Second ed. of vols. 1–31 inclusive. First ed., 32— Paris 1834–.

The President of the Republic, considering that the mode of election promulgated by the decree of the second of December had been adopted under other circumstances as guaranteeing the sincerity of election; but considering that the secret ballot actually carried out appears to guarantee better the independence of the votes; considering that the essential object of the decree of the second of December is to obtain the sincere and free expression of the will of the people, decrees:

Articles 2, 3 and 4 of the decree of the second of December are modified as follows:

Article 2. The election shall take place by universal suffrage. All Frenchmen twenty-one years of age and enjoying their civil and political rights are called upon to vote.

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Article 4. The ballot shall be open during the days of the twentieth and twenty-first of December, in the head-town of each commune, from eight a. m. to four p. m. The voting shall be by secret ballot, yes or no, by means of a written or printed vote.