Republican (proto-fascist/socialist) de facto President McKinley (a resident of the Federal enclave of Ohio) signs the Election Act of 1899, giving the States permission to use voting machines in federal elections.  This further entrenches the institution of the Australian (secret) ballot, i.e. ballots printed by government; and removes the tradition of the American (open/public) ballot, i.e. ballots printed by parties and candidates—at no cost to the taxpayer.

       [added 5/23/2022]