Throughline How We Vote (Throwback)
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Oct 17, 2024 
Jill Lepore, a Harvard history professor and New Yorker staff writer, dives into the intriguing history of American voting. She highlights the chaotic origins of public voting, from raucous town square gatherings to the secluded privacy of today’s ballots. Lepore discusses how the Founding Fathers overlooked voting logistics, debates over electoral integrity, and the significant role of historical events like Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in shaping our democratic processes. The transformation from communal to secret ballots illustrates the ongoing struggle for voting rights.
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Washington's Boozy Election
- George Washington used alcohol to influence voters in 1757, demonstrating early forms of voter manipulation.
- This anecdote highlights how the wealthy leveraged resources to sway public opinion during elections.
Early Voting Methods
- Early American voting methods varied widely, including voice voting, head counts, and using objects like beans.
- This lack of standardization created inconsistencies and challenges in early elections.
Founding Fathers' Oversight
- The Founding Fathers didn't specify voting methods in the Constitution, leaving it to individual states.
- This omission allowed voting practices to change and adapt over time but created inconsistencies.