February 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, February 27th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2014
Poll book from the 1860 Presidential election, the outcome of which precipitated the Civil War. Held on 6 November 1860, the election had an unprecedented 82.2 percent turnout, and, though Lincoln won the Electoral College handedly, he only won the popular vote with a plurality of 40 percent since there were three viable candidates running against him. When news of Lincoln's victory became imminent, many Southern states began laying the groundwork for secession before he even took office. This Illinois poll book includes ''Names of Persons Voted For to be Electors of President and Vice President of the United States'' from DeWitt County, Illinois and includes oversized tally sheets and other documents detailing campaign results. Hash marks show actual votes cast for a range of state and local offices as well. With 174 votes cast and notated in the book in total, these votes are summarized in a separate sheet, front and verso, headed, ''Abstract of Votes Given in the County of DeWitt and State of Illinois for Eleven Electors for President and Vice President of the United States''. Poll book runs 3pp., front and verso, and measures 8.5'' x 13.5''. Docketing to front cover. Minor folds and toning, else near fine. A very visceral reminder of America's turmoil and uncertainty just before the Civil War broke out.
Illinois Voting Poll Book From the 1860 Presidential Election -- In Which Illinois' Home Son, Abraham Lincoln Famously Beat Stephen Douglas in the Election That Ignited the Civil War
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