Soldiers' Votes in the Civil War

This chapter explores the historical struggle for soldiers' voting rights during the Civil War, detailing their inability to vote for much of the conflict due to fears of fraud and political manipulation. It chronicles the legal and practical changes that enabled absentee and proxy voting, emphasizing the significance of the 1864 election in affirming democracy amid wartime challenges. The chapter culminates with Lincoln's victory amidst a charged atmosphere, highlighting the resilience of democratic practices during a period of intense national strife.