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- "The County Election," 1854 - Reforms in most states expanded the American electorate in the mid-nineteenth century. By 1840, nearly 80 percent of adult white males headed eagerly to the polls. Election day could be an unruly affair, with candidates and campaigners soliciting support at polling locations. Votes were often cast by voice or paper ballot and recorded -- in public -- by local officials.
- 1850-1854
- Collections - Artifact
"The County Election," 1854
Reforms in most states expanded the American electorate in the mid-nineteenth century. By 1840, nearly 80 percent of adult white males headed eagerly to the polls. Election day could be an unruly affair, with candidates and campaigners soliciting support at polling locations. Votes were often cast by voice or paper ballot and recorded -- in public -- by local officials.