1872 Pontefract by-election

The ministerial by-election was fought due to the incumbent Liberal MP, Hugh Childers, becoming Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Paymaster General.

believing that support for the rival politicians might be drastically different as voters were able to make their choice in secret.

However, the election results were reflective of the political preference of the constituency prior to the Ballot Act.

One of the main arguments made in support of voting by ballot was that it would put a stop to the riots and disorders so prevalent at previous elections.

The Pontefract election conclusively proved that secret voting reduced riotous behaviour.