In 1867, the Second Reform Act significantly broadened the right to vote in the United Kingdom, primarily enfranchising many working-class men in urban areas and expanding the electorate in counties.
The Representation of the People Act 1867 was a crucial piece of legislation that dramatically changed the British electoral landscape. It extended voting rights to a much larger segment of the male population, particularly those in the rapidly growing industrial towns and cities. This act represented a substantial step towards a more democratic system, nearly doubling the electorate to over two million men.
The specific groups who gained the right to vote under this landmark act included:
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In Boroughs (Urban Areas):
- All householders: This granted the vote to all male householders residing in borough constituencies, meaning men who occupied a dwelling and paid local taxes (rates) directly. This was a significant move, as it included many skilled working-class men.
- Lodgers: Male lodgers who paid an annual rent of £10 or more in borough areas were also enfranchised. This provision further extended the vote to a portion of the urban working class who rented rooms rather than entire houses.
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In Counties (Rural Areas):
- Reduced Property Thresholds: The act lowered the property ownership requirements for voting in county constituencies.
- Agricultural Landowners and Tenants: As a result of the reduced property threshold, agricultural landowners and tenants with even very small amounts of land gained the right to vote, expanding the electorate in rural areas.
This parliamentary reform was a direct response to growing demands for wider representation and marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of British democracy. While it did not introduce universal suffrage (women and the poorest men still lacked the vote), it set a precedent for further electoral reforms that would eventually lead to a more inclusive franchise.
For more information on the historical context and impact of the 1867 Reform Act, you can refer to resources from the UK Parliament.
