Contested Elections
In the event of a contested election, Citizens for a Strong Democracy is committed to ensuring a continuity of government, and if required by the outcome of the election, a peaceful transition of power. The Miller Center at the University of Virginia reminds us of the contested presidential elections in our country’s history and how America moved forward as a country.
1800: FIRST TRANSFER OF POWER
Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr tied in the electoral college. After 36 votes in the House of Representatives, moderate Federalist James Bayard broke the deadlock in favor of Jefferson by abstaining. For the first time in American history, there was a peaceful transfer of power from one party to another. (Source)
1824: FIRST LOSS OF THE POPULAR VOTE
Even though Andrew Jackson won the most votes and the most electoral votes, he did not win the majority of electoral votes needed to win the presidency. As prescribed by the 12th Amendment, the House of Representatives decided the election and made John Quincy Adams the president. (Source)
1860: STATES SECEDE
Abraham Lincoln won the majority of the electoral votes, but only a plurality of the popular vote. He did not win in any of the slaveholding states and seven states left the union by the time he was inaugurated. Lincoln still worked to unite both parties and strived to keep as many states in the union. (Source)
1876: END OF RECONSTRUCTION
The 1876 election was decided by a special commission composed of Democrats, Republicans and independents. After the commission reviewed disputed results in southern states, Rutherford Hayes won the majority of electoral votes. (Source)
2000: SUPREME COURT DECIDES
The 2000 election was the first contested result in over 100 years and the first to be decided by the Supreme Court. After weeks of recounts, the Supreme Court stepped in and stopped the recount in Florida. Bush won Florida by a few hundred votes and therefore the election. Gore conceded after the decision. (Source)
