Talk:1838 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election

Latest comment: 4 years ago by Marplesmustgo in topic Date of election (1838)

Date of election (1838)

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Although OurCampaigns states this election was held on what became Election Day (United States), I suggest it was in fact held on October 9.

Dubin (United States Gubernatorial Elections, 1776-1860: The Official Results by State and County, 2003) and Glashan (American Governors and Gubernatorial Elections, 1775-1978, 1979) both state this is the case. Kallenbach and Kallenbach (American State Governors, 1776-1976, vol. 1, 1977) only gives a date of "October", but also states that from 1790 to 1875, the gubernatorial election was held on the second Tuesday of October, which fits with this date. The Columbia Democrat, a Harrisburg (PA) newspaper, of 6 October 1838 states the election will be held "2nd Tuesday of October next", which again fits this date.

Further evidence is that the Richmond (VA) Enquirer gave a brief report on gubernatorial election returns on 12 October. I would welcome evidence of other sources either supporting this date or disproving it.

I propose to change the article accordingly.

Marplesmustgo (talk) 00:27, 16 July 2020 (UTC)Reply