November 4 - The First Nationwide Election in the United States - 2003-11-04

On November 4, Americans witnessed the first nationwide presidential election held uniformly. The newly drafted law ensured simultaneous elections across all states in the United States, increased the power of political parties, and was a reflection of the further democratization of U.S. presidential election policies that began in 1820. Until late 1816, people in 9 states of the U.S. did not participate in presidential voting. Instead of public participation, state legislators selected individuals to vote, whose votes reflected the will of the people in those states. Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected as President of the United States on November 4, 1952. The popular World War II general, who campaigned with the slogan 'I Like Ike,' managed to defeat his Democratic opponent Adlai Stevenson. E. R. Kaiser, the first elected representative of the town of Thomaston in the state of Connecticut, describes his observations of the 1930 election: The campaign scene was heated, and there were always post-election celebrations. Rows of torches lit the way. Everyone came out either for the parade or to see the show.... Every man wore a blue hat and carried a torch on his shoulder. There were two bands in the city, 'Grizzlies' and 'Clock Shop,' and both groups came out to play. Remembering those times brings nostalgia.