Denarius showing Roman Republic citizens voting

Denarius struck under the moneyer Publius Licinius Nerva in 112 BC, British Museum Collection. A toga-clad citizen drops his voting tablet in the ballot box, while behind him another voter receives his tablet from an attendant below. Voters crossed elevated walkways or 'pontes' above their fellow citizens in order to reach the ballot box, so all could see that they had voted without any last-minute intimidation or interference. Almost all magistrates of the Republic were elected officials, voted into power by Roman citizens. There were no political parties in the republic. Candidates campaigned on their own virtue, personal or family reputation, or gifts to voters. Bribes given to voters came in the form of money, food, and games. They were a common and burdensome campaign expense.

In 119 BC, the influential tribune Gaius Marius further narrowed the pons causeway leading to the ballot box, in order to prevent any non-voters from standing on the gangway and engaging in bribery or intimidation; literally, to ensure that there was 'no room' for interference.