The “Ghost Voters” of 18th-Century Scotland

Electoral Fraud in the Highlands

In the 18th century, Scotland’s political landscape was riddled with anomalies, but few phenomena were as striking as the infamous "ghost voters." These shadowy figures epitomized electoral fraud in the Highlands, undermining the democratic process and perpetuating an era of elite dominance. Understanding this peculiar practice reveals much about Scotland’s political history, its struggles for representation, and the broader issues of corruption and reform that shaped the nation's trajectory.