The Text

AND WHEREAS, An opinion hath long prevailed among divers of the good people of this state, that voting at elections by ballot would tend more to preserve the liberty and equal freedom of the people than voting viva voce: to the end, therefore, that a fair experiment be made, which of those two methods of voting is to be preferred:
BE IT ORDAINED. That as soon as may be, after the termination of the present war between the United States of America and Great Britain, an act or acts be passed by the legislature of this state, for causing all elections thereafter to be held in this state for senators and representatives in assembly, to be by ballot, and directing the manner in which the same shall be conducted.
AND WHEREAS. It is possible that, after all the care of the legislature in framing the said act or acts, certain inconveniences and mischiefs, unforeseen at this day, may be found to attend the said mode of electing by ballot:
IT IS FURTHER ORDAINED. That if, after a full and fair experiment shall be made of voting by ballot aforesaid, the same shall be found less conducive to the safety or interest of the state than the method of voting viva voce, it shall be lawful and constitutional for the legislature to abolish the same: Provided, Two thirds of the members present in each house, respectively, shall concur therein. And further, that during the continuance of the present war, and until the legislature of this state shall provide for the election of senators and representatives in assembly, by ballot, the said election shall be made viva voce.