Udział szlachty bielskiej w warszawskich elekcjach (1573–1764) – organizacja i liczebność wypraw.
Participation of Nobility from Bielsk Area in the Warsaw Elections (1573–1764) - Organisation and Composition of Expedition

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the article is to present selected issues related to the participation of the nobility of the Bielsk area in elections of the king throughout the 16th through 18th centuries. The area in question, the northern part of Podlaskie Voivodeship, saw a significant share of smallholder settlements, similar in this respect to the neighbouring region of Mazovia. Noblemen’s expeditions to the election field were organized on the basis of resolutions passed during assemblies, first at provincial level and then held in particular local areas. Research has shown that despite the principle of viritim representation, not all citizens but only their smaller numbers appeared at the election field. Land officials and richer noblemen were obliged to attend the election in person. As to impoverished nobility, who constituted the majority of the population, election expeditions were organized in the same way as motio belli ones. The so-called “volok expedition” was in use here, i.e. about 1–2 noblemen from each village. As a result, those best suited to participate in political life were chosen as electors.

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