The Orientals are not accustomed to formal ballots on any occasion, and the Hebrews do not appear to have resorted to it in any form unless the lot (q.v.) may be so regarded. In Roman times the Greek custom of hand- showing (χειροτονέω , "ordain") gradually came into vogue, and hence has usually prevailed in the Christian Church. In Acts 26:10 (A. V. "voice") the Attic method of public decision by means of a tessara (ψῆφος, Revelation 2:17) is thought to be alluded to; but if so, the use of the term is there merely metaphorical in the sense of judgment. (See PAUL); (See STEPHEN).