Democracy may be hailed as a symbol of equality and progress, but the history of elections in America tells a far darker tale. Ranging from intimidation tactics to violent protests, election violence has become a deep-rooted issue in the nation’s political history that has often been overlooked in the face of democratic ideals. Here are the untold stories of election violence that shaped American elections throughout history.
The Election of 1800
The Election of 1800 between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams is often called the “Revolution of 1800.” The election’s results don’t tell the dirty story that most people have forgotten. Behind the scenes, there were accusations of tyranny, and newspapers were filled with outrageous, almost treasonous content. Federalists had threatened violence, while rumors of armed resistance emerged after Jefferson’s victory was delayed by the Electoral College. It shows that even a “peaceful” American election, perceived as positive because of a systematic victory, omits the truth.
Battle of New Orleans (1815)
The Battle of New Orleans technically occurred after the War of 1812 officially ended, and it affected partisan decisions. Andrew Jackson’s victory over British forces elevated his status, which then increased the influence of the Democratic-Republican Party’s support. Although it may not be directly tied to the vote, the outcome of the battle intensified political rivalries and sparked occasional outbreaks of violence fueled by nationalism, military leadership, and voter identity in subsequent elections.
The 1828 Jacksonian Election – “The Mud-Campaign”
The 1828 election between John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson devolved into one of America’s dirtiest campaigns in the nation’s history. Allegations of adultery, corruption, abuse of power, and even murder were made by both parties, often described as “mudslinging” for its particularly filthy attacks. The disenfranchised supporters of Andrew Jackson, many of whom were frontiersmen, were furious about these remarks. As brawls erupted at rallies, this election introduced a style of campaigning that blurred the lines between democratic participation and mob intimidation.
Bloody Election of 1855
Kentucky Territory elections of 1855 can also be remembered as Bloody Monday. When riots broke out in Louisville, Protestant mobs attacked German and Irish Catholic neighborhoods. These riots are thought to have grown because of the rivalry between Nativists (the Know-Nothing Party) and Democrats. Twenty-two people died in the riots, with many others injured and buildings burned to the ground. Although people were indicted, nobody was arrested, and the victims were forgotten.
The 1860 Secessionist Violence
The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 sparked vicious outrage in the South. His anti-slavery platform was viewed as a direct threat to their sovereignty, as mobs of Southerners attacked anti-slavery and Unionist publishers. Not only would Lincoln’s future actions lead to the secession of the Southern states, but they also influenced loyalist Confederates to lynch his supporters. The Civil War would eventually erupt, ending democratic debate for some time.
The Wilmington Insurrection (1898)
In Wilmington, North Carolina, the city’s elected fusionist government was violently overthrown by white supremacists. Their campaign was fueled by Democratic political strategy and racist propaganda as they slaughtered dozens of black residents in the process. The newspapers were burned, and the structure of power was reestablished under white supremacist rule, expelling both black and white residents who did not support them. It was the only successful coup in American history.
The 1920 “Red Summer”
Racial violence during the Red Summer extended into the 1920 election period. When black citizens attempted to vote, many were either stopped or killed by racist mobs. Black communities, including churches, were burned to the ground in hopes of stopping their political participation. These actions were especially evident in the South, as white Democrats maintained electoral dominance through terror.
The 1930s Anti-New Deal Violence
When Franklin D. Roosevelt announced the New Deal, it not only brought economic reforms but also sparked fierce backlash. During the election season, anti-New Deal factions and labor unions clashed, with violence erupting at polling places. While the violence may not have been as widespread as in the past, it demonstrated that even in the 1930s, violence threatened America’s democratic process and future elections.
The 1960 Chicago Riots
The tightly contested 1960 election between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon made Chicago a flashpoint for riots. As rumors of vote-buying, voter fraud, and mob influence spread, particularly affecting working-class and black neighborhoods, many voters were intimidated during small, localized riots. These smaller riots foreshadowed the extreme race riots of 1968, influenced by Martin Luther King Jr.
The 1964 Mississippi Freedom Summer
The 1964 Freedom Summer was organized by civil rights groups to register black voters in Mississippi. Their efforts were met with extreme violence as white supremacist groups beat activists and murdered three volunteers. Local law enforcement either ignored or participated in the violence. This terror was part of a long-standing strategy to suppress black voters and limit their influence in elections, even as the federal government attempted to enforce stronger civil rights protections.
The 1968 Democratic National Convention
The Democratic National Convention of 1968 was held in Chicago amidst the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War. Anti-war protesters were brutally repressed by police, including mass arrests and beatings. When the violence was televised, it shocked the nation and cast a shadow over the election. Although the election took place indoors, the violence outside raised questions about the health of America’s democracy.
The 1970 Kent State Shooting
In 1970, the Kent State Shooting changed the climate of the upcoming election. When students protested Nixon’s expansion of the Vietnam War, National Guardsmen opened fire, killing four students and wounding nine. The tragedy sparked national outrage, leading to strikes nationwide and polarizing voters. Nixon’s midterms were shaped by both outrage and fear, as grief overtook the nation and demonstrated how political violence could affect electoral politics.
The 1992 Los Angeles Riots
Four LAPD officers were acquitted after the beating of Rodney King, which led to one of Los Angeles’ deadliest civil disturbances to date. Although it did not occur in an election year, the riots had deep political implications as voters blamed local officials for systematic failures. The aftermath of the riots spurred campaigns focusing on racial justice and police reform, which would become key issues in America.
The 2008 Democratic Primary
Barack Obama’s rise to the presidency was not only historic but also fraught with difficult talking points. It reopened deep generational, gender, and racial divides within the electorate. There were many accusations of race-baiting, controversial remarks, and voter suppression, particularly in key battleground states. Although the process was peaceful, protests and legal challenges raised questions about fairness and transparency, carrying volatile undertones for the elections to follow.
The 2020 Post-Election Protests
After the 2020 election, mass protests erupted, and conspiracy theories circulated. What stands out the most is the violent January 6th Capitol insurrection, which was fueled by claims of election fraud. The attackers aimed to overturn Joe Biden’s victory, and the incident resulted in deaths on both sides. This ultimately marked a new chapter in election-related violence and exposed the vulnerabilities of an institution beset by political extremism.
