How did the secret ballot affect the political machines' influence?

The secret ballot fundamentally changed the dynamics of how voting was conducted, significantly affecting the influence of political machines. By allowing voters to cast their ballots in private, the secret ballot made it difficult for party bosses and political machines to monitor individual voter choices. This decrease in oversight meant that voters could express their true preferences without fear of retribution or coercion from party leaders or machine operatives.

Prior to the introduction of the secret ballot, voting was often public, making it easy for political machines to pressure individuals to vote a certain way or to retaliate against those who did not comply. With the anonymity provided by the secret ballot, such practices became less effective, thus weakening the control that political machines held over the electoral process. This shift contributed to a more democratic voting environment, as individuals felt freer to support candidates or parties based on their genuine beliefs rather than on external influences.