VOSTOKOFF, vres-traid, ALEXANDER CHRIS TOFOROVITCH ( 1781-1864 ) . A Russian philolo gist. He was born in the island of °set, in the Gulf of Riga, studied architecture in the Saint Petersburg Academy of Arts, and then devoted himself to philology and paleography. In 1808 he published his preliminary study of Slavic linguistics: in 1813 became assistant in the de partment of manuscripts in the Imperial Library; and in 1820 was chosen member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Vostokoff published in 1S20 Rossaidenio o slaryonshom yozyke, a treatise which outlined the development of language, the nature of the pre-Slavic dialect, and the peculi arities of the old Church Slavic; a descriptive catalogue of Slavic manuscripts (1842) ; and a lexicon (1861) and a grammar (1863) of the Old Church Slavic. 1Iis Russian Grammar appeared first in 1831, reached a twelfth edition in 1874, and is the basis of the modern scientific treat ment of the subjeet. Vostokoff contributed to the great lexicon of the Russian Academy (1847) His minor works were edited by Sresnevsky in 1S65.
VOTE (from Lat. rotune, wish, engagement, vow, front rorere, to wish, promise, dedicate, vow). A formal declaration or expression of the will or preference of a person in regard to a question or issue submitted to him toget her with others for action. The term is perhaps most commonly applied to the means whereby an (-lector or citizen expresses his choice of candi dates for public offices and to the expressions of assent or dissent of legislators to the enactment of proposed mea.nres, hut is also correctly em
ployed to describe the voice of a member of a cor poration or any association of individuals in declaring his will as to any question submitted. The word is also used collectively to include the combined action of a number of individuals upon a given question. Various methods of voting have been devised, but practically only two are in use: by Allot (q.v.), and vice voce, by voice. Where the voting is by ballot one or more judges must be appointed to canvass or count the bal lot* which have been deposited in some recep tacle by the voters. Where the more simple method of having each voter announce his will orally is adopted, a secretary is usually appoint ed to note the name and choice of every one en titled to vote.
In all political elections and legislative bodies in the United States every person entitled to vote must do so personally. However, in cor porations and associations voting by proxy is usually permitted.
In order to secure a fair election and free dom of choice on- the part of the voters, various means of voting have been devised. The Aus tralian system, which practically insures abso lute secrecy, is the most in favor. This system prohibits any marking of ballots for identifica tion. and as all the tickets which may be voted are printed upon one sheet of paper and marked and folded in a closed booth, there is perhaps no method of determining absolutely how a per son votes. See BALLOT; ELECTORAL REFORM.