On Holding Elections

The 1864 Presidential election was held on Tuesday, November 8, in the midst of civil war. Paper ballots had to be counted by hand, and results transmitted by telegraph, not only from Eastern States, but also from California, Oregon and the recently created States of Kansas, West Virginia and remote Nevada. The ballots of Union soldiers serving in the field had to be collected and tabulated.

Nevertheless, the re-election of President Lincoln was known by 2:00 a.m., Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, November 9, and a band and crowd appeared on the White House lawn to serenade and celebrate with Mr. Lincoln.

Let's contrast that with this week's New York City Mayoral election. The final results are not known and indeed may not be known for weeks. Heck, the elections board is not even certain how many ballots were cast. Such is progress.