Throughline: How We Vote (Throwback) – Detailed Summary
Hosted by Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei
Introduction
In the "How We Vote (Throwback)" episode of Throughline by NPR, hosts Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei, alongside historian Jill Lepore and historian Richard Carwardine, delve into the intricate history of the American voting system. From its colonial roots to the transformative changes during the Civil War, the episode explores how voting practices have evolved, influenced by societal norms, political parties, and technological advancements.
Colonial Voting Practices
The episode opens with a vivid portrayal of George Washington’s electioneering tactics in the colonial period of Virginia (00:28). Historian Jill Lepore describes how Washington purchased substantial quantities of alcohol to host convivial gatherings, aiming to secure votes through hospitality and subtle intimidation:
“George Washington purchased 46 gallons of beer, one hogshead, one barrel and ten bowls of rum punch...” (00:28)
Voice Voting and Public Ballots
Initially, voting in America was a public affair known as "voice voting" or viva voce (03:35). Voters would openly declare their choices in communal settings, a practice rife with potential intimidation:
“Mr. Blair, who do you vote for?” (02:13)
Historian Lepore emphasizes the communal and often rowdy nature of these gatherings, comparing them to modern tailgate parties (07:14). However, this transparency led to issues such as coercion, where influential figures could sway votes through social pressure and incentives.
Transition to Private Ballots
As the nation expanded, the complexities of public voting grew (04:11). Rund Abdelfatah points out that the Constitution did not address voting methods, leaving states to develop their own systems, which varied widely and lacked uniformity (04:44).
The rise of political parties in the late 18th century transformed voting dynamics. With the advent of cheap printing in the early 19th century, parties began distributing printed ballots to maximize their supporters' votes. Lepore notes how newspapers became partisan tools, distributing specific party ballots (11:17):
“Party tickets... flaming red or bright blue ballots, right?” (12:25)
This period saw increased violence and intimidation at polling places, exemplified by the tragic story of George Kyle in 1859, who lost his brother and his vote due to violent suppression tactics (14:04).
Economic Influence and Vote Selling
The Industrial Revolution exacerbated economic inequalities, leading to situations where impoverished voters might sell their votes for basic necessities like sandwiches (16:15). This period highlighted the deep-seated economic disparities influencing electoral integrity.
Civil War and Voting Rights
The Civil War era brought significant changes to voting practices. Richard Carwardine discusses the Emancipation Proclamation and its political ramifications (19:16):
“The fighting would only end when slavery ended...” (19:32)
Despite the 15th Amendment granting African American men the right to vote, systemic barriers persisted. Black soldiers in the Union army, constituting nearly 10% of the forces, were largely disenfranchised due to restrictive voting laws and intimidation (29:03).
The 1864 Election: Ballot or Bullet
The pivotal 1864 election, set against the backdrop of the Civil War, highlighted the struggle to maintain democratic processes amidst national turmoil. Lincoln’s administration recognized the strategic importance of allowing soldiers to vote, leading to the implementation of absentee and proxy voting methods (30:38). However, both Republican and Democratic parties accused each other of fraud and manipulation, casting shadows over the election's legitimacy (34:29).
Despite these challenges, Lincoln secured a decisive victory, demonstrating the resilience of American democracy even during the most turbulent times (37:04).
Post-War Voting Reforms and the Secret Ballot
Following the war, America grappled with voter suppression and corruption, particularly in the rapidly industrializing North and the struggling South. Jill Lepore recounts the notorious voter fraud orchestrated by political machines like Boss Tweed’s Tammany Hall in New York, where immigrants and the working class were exploited through repeated voting fraud (43:01).
The push for the secret ballot, known as the Australian ballot, emerged as a solution to curb such malpractices (45:20). This reform advocated for government-issued ballots, private voting booths, and standardized ballots listing all candidates. Despite its progressive intent to protect voters' privacy, the secret ballot was co-opted by wealthy elites to disenfranchise African Americans and the impoverished, effectively using it as a tool for voter suppression (46:17):
“A reform meant to protect those with the least amount of power was used by those in power to keep voters out of politics altogether.” (50:58)
Modern Implications and Reflections
The episode concludes by reflecting on the lasting impact of these historical voting practices on contemporary elections. Jill Lepore criticizes the lack of fundamental reimagining in the voting system since the adoption of the secret ballot, highlighting ongoing challenges with voting technology and accessibility (51:26). Additionally, Dr. Carol Anderson emphasizes the importance of collective voting for the public good, critiquing the modern perception of voting as a purely individual act (54:13).
Conclusion
"How We Vote (Throwback)" offers a comprehensive exploration of the American voting system's evolution, emphasizing how historical practices have shaped current electoral processes. From public declarations to the secret ballot, the episode underscores the ongoing tension between ensuring voter integrity and protecting individual rights, highlighting the enduring struggle to achieve a truly equitable democratic system.
Notable Quotes
- Historian Jill Lepore (00:28): “George Washington purchased 46 gallons of beer, one hogshead, one barrel and ten bowls of rum punch...”
- George Washington (23:01): “Do not mistake that the ballot is stronger than the bullet...”
- Historian Jill Lepore (46:52): “The secret ballot is adopted in a place like Massachusetts in order to disenfranchise the truly poor who can't read.”
- Dr. Carol Anderson (49:28): “Voting is about empowering the voices of this incredibly vibrant nation so that we get the policies that respect, honor, and support this incredibly vibrant nation.”
Key Takeaways
- Evolution of Voting Practices: From public voice voting to the secret ballot, American voting methods have continually adapted to societal changes and political pressures.
- Influence of Political Parties: The rise of political parties significantly impacted voting mechanisms, often leading to corruption and voter suppression.
- Economic and Racial Barriers: Economic disparities and racial discrimination have historically undermined the integrity of elections, challenges that persist today.
- Reform and Resistance: Voting reforms like the Australian ballot were double-edged, intended to protect voters but often exploited to disenfranchise marginalized groups.
- Ongoing Struggles: Modern voting issues, including technological failures and voter accessibility, echo historical challenges, emphasizing the need for continual vigilance and reform.
Final Thoughts
The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities behind democratic participation, illustrating how historical contexts shape present-day electoral integrity. Throughline encourages listeners to recognize the importance of voting as both a personal right and a collective responsibility, urging ongoing efforts to refine and protect the democratic process.