Electoral Culture of Townspeople in Russian Cities in the 1720s–1770s: Based on Materials of Elections to Magistrates

Abstract

The article attempts to examine the behavior of the suburban residents, who elected members of the magistrates in Russian cities, through the prism of the concept of «electoral culture». The chronological limits of the research cover the period from the foundation of the magistrates in 1720th till the regional reform in 1775. The author examines the appropriateness of this notion in the historical context, revealing its methodological difficulties and specifics. The article deals with such elements of electoral culture of the suburban residents, as electoral activity and competence, as well as the relationship with the authorities in the framework of the electoral process. The author concludes that there is a significant variation in the indicators of electoral activity in different cities. Considering the issue of electoral competence of suburban electors, the author concludes that the level of understanding by suburban residents (at least by their most active groups) of the specifics of the electoral process and related mechanisms of state power was quite high. Magistrate elections fulfilled not only their direct function, but also became a tool in the strategies of the suburban residents. With their help, the suburban community provided itself with a communication channel for informing the authorities about the difficulties faced by the taxpayers.