What Is a Proxy Vote?
A proxy vote is a vote that is cast in a way that allows a person not in attendance to have his vote counted without physically casting a ballot. This may be done by mail or through a delivered letter or statement.
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Types
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Proxy voting can be done in a variety of settings. Some places you might see proxy voting are in politics, the corporate world and in association and non-profit settings.
Function
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Proxy voting is used when an eligible voter is not physically present to cast a vote, but wants her voted counted. Proxy voting can be used to create voter blocs for more influence and votes.
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Identification
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Proxy voting can be used to elect political officers and is regularly used in corporate settings, allowing shareholders to vote by mail or through a surrogate. Some associations and non-profit organizations also allow proxy voting.
History
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At one time proxy voting was allowed to support political candidates. A Democratic Party official was able to cast nearly 500 proxy votes for a list of delegates in the 1960s.
Considerations
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Those opposed to proxy voting claim that the practice is too susceptible to fraud where votes that may have never been made were counted. Another criticism is that it is not private like a secret ballot.
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References
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