Back in the 19th Century, Your Election Ballot Could Double as a Work of Art

In the mid-19th century, political parties created election ballots, leading to a lack of secrecy and increased intimidation at polls, especially in urban areas.

Local party organizations designed artistic ballots to attract voters, particularly aiming at illiterate or non-English-speaking populations, sometimes misleading them with deceptive symbols.

Republicans in 1864 printed pro-war ballots featuring patriotic imagery; one notable example was from the Grant Club, showcasing the 1864 Battle of Cherbourg.

Voter's reliance on party workers for ballots meant many did not read the ticket, creating opportunities for deceit, as illustrated by a semi-literate voter's experience.

Read at Smithsonian Magazine