Leon Walton Young can be credited for one thing before he was voted out after thirty years as an elected representative, Young was the first to explain to voters, the new system, of the Secret Ballot. In 1942, elections were held on different days, throughout the colony, and two candidates were chosen for each district. There were senior and junior representatives.
We notice something else, Young in his advertisement uses the plural ‘votes’. In 1942, one man could have multiple votes. He had a personal vote and a company vote as well. Each company someone owned was allowed to cast a vote.
L. W. Young ran against Wilfred G. Cash and Roland T. Symonette. Young polled 168 votes, Cash 236 votes and Symonette 234 votes.
TO THE ELECTORS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW PROVIDENCE
As you are aware I am standing for re-election to the House of Assembly as one of your Representatives in the coming election which is appointed to be held on June 17th.
After having served you without break for 30 years, I feel that you are able to rely on me to continue to serve you faithfully, and in these times of very serious conditions within and without our District and Colony, I am sure you will see the wisdom of electing men you have tried and proven.
The voters in the District have been greatly reduced in numbers this year so it is incumbent on Electors to come out early in the day and poll their votes and so make certain that the men you desire will be elected. If you for any reason whatsoever stay away from the polls and not cast your vote you man run the risk of the wrong men being elected, and for seven years Most Serious Years it would be irreparable. So you are in honour bound to cast your votes on the 17th for the two men you believe most capable to represent you, and this you do without fear or favour.
The method this time is very simple. You will be given a slip of paper on which the names of each Candidate is written. All you will have to do is make a cross opposite the names of the men you favour then fold the paper and drop it in the Box that will be shown to you by the person in charge of the election.
If you again favour me by election, I can again promise you to do my best at all times in your interest. I thank you for the past and in anticipation of the future.
Sincerely Yours,
L. Walton Young.
(The Nassau Daily Tribune, Monday June 10, 1942)
By way of comparison, the election advertisements from Roland T. Symonette made no mention of the new Secret Ballot which was coming into use for the first time. This political advertisement was very much the norm of the day. Electors would place very polite and succinct adverts in the local papers. There would be no mention of opponents. It was strictly pleasing the individual’s ideas and desires to be a good District representative.
(The Nassau Daily Tribune, Monday June 12, 1942)
Leon Walton Young died twenty years later on July 30, 1962
