Cast your vote

[mfwills]

Does anyone have any thoughts as to where this usage came from?

Why do we cast a vote as opposed to any other active verb, such as place a vote or submit a vote, etc.?

Matt

[susiedqq]

Good question!

Probably historical in nature; voting was to mark a paper and put it into a box, or yelling out yea or nay.

[David L.]

Democracy began in ancient Greece, and a vote was taken by all citizens assembled in the amphitheatre putting a stone (as I recall, either black or white) into a bowl. They were said to cast the stone into the bowl - 'cast their vote.'

'casting' with regard to stones is well known: 'let he who is without sin cast the first stone' etc.

[mfwills]

Democracy began in ancient Greece, and a vote was taken by all citizens assembled in the amphitheatre putting a stone (as I recall, either black or white) into a bowl. They were said to cast the stone into the bowl - 'cast their vote.'

'casting' with regard to stones is well known: 'let he who is without sin cast the first stone' etc.

Certainly makes sense, especially in linking Greek voting practice with the Biblical admonition. A good deal of the gospels were originally written in Greek.

Recently, the term has been on my mind more and more as we approach the presidential election.

Thanks.