Quote:
Originally posted by PM_Mama00
I always wondered where the term "blackball" came from.
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Well, there's more to it then that.
In the 'old days' people would vote with white & black balls. (a varient is to use marble & dice). Because they couldn't read, so they couldn't use a ballot.
That in itself is no big deal.
HOWEVER, in many secret, fraternal organizations, they would vote in new members. BUT, to get in you would need to get a unanimous vote or near unanimous vote. Getting ONE 'no' vote would prevent you getting in. One "black ball". Hence the term 'getting blackballed'. One person spoke against you (voted 'no' with their black ball) and you're out.
Many organizations vote in new members. How they do it (vote voice, ballot, white & black balls, etc) doesn't matter. What matters is how many votes you need to get in. In one group I'm a member of, its just a majority vote. That's true of most. But if you're requiring a higher precentage then just majority, then you get into the issue of hazing, etc.
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