LE PROCEDURE DI VOTO NEL MONDO GRECO: LA DOCUMENTAZIONE EPIGRAFICA

Abstract

This contribution aims to focus on the importance of the epigraphic record for our knowledge of the voting
procedures in use in the Greek world, cheirotonia (the vote by show of hands) and psephophoria, a term
deriving from the use of psephoi – i.e., pebbles – as ballots.
Many inscriptions mention the two procedures: these are decrees (primarily honorary), treaties and laws of
various kinds, coming from different contexts of the Greek world and dating back to a period ranging from
the fourth century BC to the Roman age. This record not only provides statistical elements on the spatial
and chronological diffusion of the two voting systems, but it can contribute to a better understanding of
the functioning of these procedures and of some less clear aspects such as the problem of counting votes,
secrecy, and the presence of a quorum.