Lot 1207 email save

Civil War Soldiers Absentee Ballot, Hamilton OH

Political

---

Civil War Union Soldier's Absentee Ballot

November 8, 1864, Civil War Soldier's Absentee Ballot, Hamilton County, Ohio, Choice Extremely Fine.
This uncolored "UNION PRESIDENTIAL TICKET" on newsprint features Abraham Lincoln for President and Andrew Johnson for Vice-President, and several electors for the state. Measuring 7" x 3", with an engraving of Lady Liberty with a "Union" sword in her hand. Ballot is in marvelous condition--only a small hole at center, barely noticeable. Absentee ballots such as this one were distributed to Ohio's soldiers after the legislature passed a bill establishing voting procedures for Civil War soldiers in April 1863. The captain's quarters were designated as polling sites, three "judges" were elected by soldiers to preside over the election, and two clerks were then designated by the judges. The ballots were counted by one judge and then verified by the other two. After the ballots were counted and recorded, they were mailed to the clerk of common pleas in each county. The results of the 1864 election in Ohio show that Lincoln won a total of 265,654 votes and Democrat George McClellan--one of Lincoln's generals--won 205,599 votes. Ex-EAHA Auction, Oct. 5, 2002, Lot #1187, where it sold for $345.



Early American will accept payment by check or credit card.

View Early American next auction.

Similar lots up for auction