Lincoln Ballots from the Election of 1864

Lincoln Ballots from the Election of 1864

In the Civil War Era, political parties were responsible to design, print and distribute their own ballots. When Lincoln ran for reelection in 1864, Republicans utilized pro-Union words and symbols to appeal to voters. Patriotic slogans were common, including phrases like “For the Union,” “E Pluribus Unum,” “In God We Trust,” and “No Compromise with Treason!” A few ballots even included lyrics from popular songs like “The Battle Cry of Freedom.” Included here are several examples of 1864 election tickets from the Lincoln Collection.

The front of this California ticket features a cannon and flag, while on the back, the goddess Columbia stands near an American flag, the White House, and the Capitol, with symbols of agriculture and industry at her feet. (71200908500023)

While Lincoln had grown his beard by early 1861, Republicans in one California jurisdiction depicted him without his trademark whiskers. (The image of Andrew Johnson also bears little resemblance to the vice presidential candidate.) (71200908500008)

The Grant Club of San Francisco celebrated the victory of the USS Kearsarge over the CSS Alabama off the coast of France on June 19, 1864, on the back of a ballot they produced. (71200908500481)

American eagles, flags, drums, and swords commonly appeared on ballots during the Civil War, as with this Connecticut ticket. (71200908500037)