Republican Ballot from Massachusetts for the 1860 Presidential Election

Summary

During the mid-1800s, Americans used preprinted ballots to vote. Political parties printed and distributed these ballots, sometimes through local partisan newspapers. These ballots listed candidates only from a single party -- so everyone knew who you voted for. Bold voters could scratch out or paste over names. This ballot was used in 1860 by Massachusetts Republicans to vote for Abraham Lincoln.

During the mid-1800s, Americans used preprinted ballots to vote. Political parties printed and distributed these ballots, sometimes through local partisan newspapers. These ballots listed candidates only from a single party -- so everyone knew who you voted for. Bold voters could scratch out or paste over names. This ballot was used in 1860 by Massachusetts Republicans to vote for Abraham Lincoln.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Wood engraving (Process)

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 11 in

Width: 5 in

Inscriptions

Printed on ballot: Republican Ticket. / For President of the United States, / ABRAHAM LINCOLN, / OF ILLINOIS. / For Vice President of the United States. / HANNIBAL HAMLIN, / OF MAINE...

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More