In law and politics, treating is the act of serving food, drink, and other refreshments to influence people for political gain, often shortly before an election. In various countries, treating is considered a form of corruption, and is illegal as such.[1][2][3] However, as long as the supplying of refreshments is not part of a quid pro quo for votes, etc., it is often not illegal.

George Bingam's "The County Election" (1852) shows the effects of the campaigns' "treating" the voters with alcoholic beverages: several of them are too drunk to stand without assistance.

Canada

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There was an offence of treating under section 94 of the Dominion Elections Act 1874.

New Zealand

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In New Zealand, section 217 of the Electoral Act 1993 relates to treating and defines the offence as a corrupt practice.[4] Following the 2023 New Zealand general election, the Electoral Commission investigated the provision of food at Manurewa Marae while it was used as a polling station.[5]

United Kingdom

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ NZ Legislation Online
  2. ^ NZ Herald – Election 'treats' get just deserts
  3. ^ NZ Herald – MP in gun for 'carrot' in mailout
  4. ^ Electoral Act 1993, s 217
  5. ^ Trafford, Will (9 November 2023). "Electoral Commission polling place decision under fire amidst recount and voting irregularities". Stuff. Retrieved 19 November 2023.

Bibliography

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British Isles

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Canada

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  • Ermatinger. "Treating". Canadian Franchise and Election Laws. 1886. Pages 258 to 269.
  • McPherson. "Treating Voter during Election". The Law of Elections in Canada. 1905. Page 432.
  • Boyer. Election Law in Canada. Butterworths. 1987. vol 2. pp 719, 953, 965, 970, 990, 1050, 1059, 1067, 1074, 1075, 1085, 1087, 1110, 1123, 1128, 1135 and 1157.

Sri Lanka

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