Trail to the Voting Booth

Creator unknown
10th state legislative district map, 1974
Gwynne P. Smith papers

Map showing the geographic bounds of the 10th legislative district for the Delaware House of Representatives. This is the district Gwynne Smith represented in the General Assembly.

U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census
1960 Census of Population Preliminary Reports, Population Counts for States, Delaware, July 1960
Senator J. Allen Frear, Jr., paper

Preliminary population data for the state of Delaware.

John M. Clayton
Speech of Mr Clayton, of Delaware, on the Bill for the Apportionment of the Representation in Congress: Delivered in the Senate of the United States, April 25th, 1832. Printed at the Office of Jonathan Elliot, Penn. Avenue, [Washington, D.C.], 1832.

Delaware Senate Republican Caucus
[State] Senate Redistricting Plan with map of proposed districts for New Castle County, DE, July 16, 1991
Myrna Bair papers

During redistricting debates, political parties work to maximize their share of possible seats. This fact sheet outlines how the Republican plan complies with federal and state requirements for population distribution, as well as the proposed map for New Castle County, dubbed the “Darth Vader” map.

James B. Weaver, John N. Whelan, Sidney W. Hess, Harry J. Siegfeldt, and Paul A. Zitlau.
Computer Based Districts for the Delaware Legislature, May 1, 1968.
Sidney W. Hess Computer Research on Nonpartisan Districting, Inc. records

Because of the partisan nature of reapportionment, numerous plans have been proposed to take politics out of redistricting. This plan from 1968 outlines a computer-based model for creating legislative districts for the Delaware General Assembly.

People for Peterson
PPP Report [of campaign activities], September 30, 1972
Russel W. Peterson papers

This memo highlights the work of Governor Peterson’s reelection campaign on numerous fronts, including polling, interactions with interest groups, and setting up campaign offices.

Republican National Committee
Critical Issues Survey, 1980
Harold Brayman papers

Campaigns are never static. Adjustments to the governing message are necessary in the midst of the campaign as new issues enter public discourse. Issue polling and voter surveys keep candidates informed on how the electorate views their messaging, and track the issues that voters consider important in a given election.

Earle C. Clements, Chairman, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Letter to Senator J. Allen Frear, Jr., offering assistance for final days of 1954 campaign, October 22, 1954
Senator J. Allen Frear, Jr., papers

Party affiliated campaign committees in Congress offer support and encouragement to candidates as part of each party’s effort to maximize their control of the legislative branch.

Carper for Congress
Draft Direct Mail Fundraising Letter, 1982
Thomas R. Carper congressional papers
Facsimile

Elections are not cheap. Raising enough money to run an effective campaign is of utmost importance. Campaigns will frequently ask for donations directly from potential voters, especially small-dollar donations.

Gwynne Smith Campaign Fund
Campaign finance filing form, October 1978
Gwynne P. Smith papers

Campaigns, at all levels of public office, are required to regularly disclose fundraising and campaign spending to ensure that elections are running fairly.

Jack Jurden
“Late Starter,” Wilmington News Journal, October 11, 1991
Jack Jurden political and editorial cartoons collection
Facsimile

Political cartoons blend caricature, satire, and contemporary politics to distill complex policy debates or critical social issues into a single image. As a political tool, cartoons were very effective in communicating ideas in a brief and simple manner; like campaign songs, political cartoons could convey a simple political message without relying on extensive education or a deep knowledge of politics.

Walter Westerberg, Jr.
Gwynne Smith meeting with campaign volunteers in her home, August 1976
Photograph
Gwynne P. Smith papers

Creator unknown
“I Am A [Adlai] Stevenson [precinct] Captain” button, circa 1950s
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Mack Studio
GOP Truth Squad, October 1960
Photograph
Senator John J. Williams papers

In 1960, Senator John J. Williams (R-Del.) was a member of the “Truth Squad,” a group of Republican politicians traveling behind Democratic presidential nominee John F. Kennedy and his surrogates to contest the Democratic campaign message and advocate for Republican candidate and sitting Vice President, Richard Nixon.

Republican National Committee
“GOP Women’s Nixon-Agnew Voteswagon Tour – 1968,” excerpt from The Chairman’s Report, 1968
Marj Skinker album of Republican women’s Voteswagon tour

This excerpt shows the Voteswagon route from Washington, D.C. to Anaheim, CA.

Marj Skinker
Photographs on the 1968 Nixon-Agnew Voteswagon bus, 1968
Marj Skinker album of Republican women’s Voteswagon tour

The “Voteswagon” was a women-led effort in 1968 to secure votes for the Republican ticket of Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew. Over the 27 day road trip, the women involved traveled over 7,000 miles and visited 74 cities, distributing campaign literature, and linking campaign events for local office with the national Republican campaign.

Creator unknown
Photograph of E. A. Seidel and his wagon as part of the Coolidge-Dawes Lincoln Tour, 1924
Photograph

Surrogates can also be enthusiastic volunteers who go above and beyond to participate in larger-scale campaigning. One example includes the Coolidge-Dawes Lincoln Tour, a 1924 parade of over 100,000 vehicles along the Lincoln Highway between New York and San Francisco in support of Republican candidate and incumbent President Calvin Coolidge. The image below shows E. A. Seidel, who drove the lead truck for the 56 day event.

Lubitsh & Bungarz Promotional Photography
Unidentified individuals at a campaign event,”1952
Photograph
Senator John J. Williams papers

Rallies such as this are large-scale events allow candidates to address many voters at the same time. Rallies are opportunities for candidates to speak, and for supporters to gather together.

Creator unknown
Campaigns: Presidential candidate Harry S. Truman, Senator Frear, and Vice Presidential candidate Alben William Barkley, making a campaign speech in Wilmington, DE, October 1948
Photograph
Senator J. Allen Frear, Jr., papers

Presidential campaign of Al Smith
Governor [Alfred E.] Smith’s Special Campaign Train’ itinerary and train menu, September-October 1928
Harold Brayman papers

For presidential candidates, a series of rallies needs to be planned. While modern candidates can fly around the country, in previous campaigns, train travel was essential to get between campaign stops. The time needed to travel between stations led to candidates delivering stump speeches from the back of the train. These “whistle stop tours” were very common in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Creator unknown
Tom Carper meeting constituents, No date
Photograph
Thomas R. Carper congressional papers

More casual meet-and-greet events are very common, especially in a small state like Delaware. Whether at the State Fair, a high-end reception, or walking through neighborhoods, any opportunity for a candidate to interact with supporters is important.

Katherine Nails
“Ocasio-Cortez and Harris talk tuition, wages, partisan divide at town hall,” UD Review, September 4, 2018
University of Delaware ephemera collection related to politics, policy and government

Town Halls are open forums designed to allow voters to engage in dialog with political candidates about important issues. Town halls are important during the campaign, but are useful to maintain engagement with constituents between election cycles.

Franklin D. Roosevelt
Address by Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt before the Commonwealth Club, Palace Hotel, San Francisco, CA, September 23, 1932
Harold Brayman papers

Stump speeches are designed to be repetitive, easy for the candidates to remember, and introduce the candidate to the people. They are used to make promises and test policy stances in front of the electorate. As a rule, they are not dramatic or noteworthy, but serve a valuable role in defining and differentiating candidates and their governing philosophies.

Thomas R. Carper
Remarks of the Hon. Tom Carper on Announcing his Candidacy for Governor, June 15, 1992
Thomas R. Carper congressional papers
Facsimile

When candidates announce their intent to run for office, they use their speech to explain their rationale for seeking office and gives voters a first look at their governing priorities.

Clarice Heckert
Campaign speech, 1966
Clarice U. Heckert papers
Facsimile

When seeking reelection, incumbents will highlight their accomplishments as a major component of their stump speeches.

Lincoln, Abraham, et al. Political Debates between Hon. Abraham Lincoln and Hon. Stephen a. Douglas, in the Celebrated Campaign of 1858, in Illinois : Including the Preceding Speeches of Each, at Chicago, Springfield, Etc. : Also, the Two Great Speeches of Mr. Lincoln in Ohio, in 1859, As Carefully Prepared by the Reporters of Each Party, and Published at the Times of Their Delivery. [5th edition] ed., Follett, Foster and Company, 1860.

One of the most well-known examples of political debate in American history was the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858. Abraham Lincoln was challenging Stephen Douglas, the incumbent, in the Illinois U.S. Senate race. Lincoln challenged Douglas to a series of seven debates on the issue of slavery. These served as the first significant political campaign debate in U.S. history, drawing national attention and setting up a preview of the 1860 presidential election, where the two men would challenge each other again.

Jack Jurden
Carper/Roth Debate cartoon, Wilmington News Journal, 2000
Jack Jurden political and editorial cartoons collection

League of Women Voters
Banner, “Watch the 1980 Presidential Debates sponsored by the League of Women Voters,” 1980
Archive of the League of Women Voters of Greater Newark, Delaware

Presidential debates have been coordinated and hosted by the Commission on Presidential Debates since the 1988 campaign cycle. Before then, interest groups, including the League of Women Voters, served as the hosts for presidential candidates to debate one another.

Case 6: Presidential campaign buttons and pins

Campaign buttons are one of the most iconic pieces of campaign ephemera. Buttons date back to George Washington’s first inauguration in 1789. These were actual clothing buttons and fasteners, where function was as important as displaying support for a candidate.

The next development in what we would consider a campaign button came in the mid-nineteenth century with advances in photography. Ferrotypes, also known as tintypes, were small photographs developed on thin sheets of coated iron or tin, becoming popular in the U.S. during the 1850s.

The first “modern” campaign button appeared during the 1896 presidential election between William McKinley and William Jennings Bryan. These buttons were made of celluloid, the world’s first synthetic plastic-like material. A thin sheet of celluloid protected an image printed on paper and wrapped around a metal disk with a pin on the back. In the 1920s, a cheaper production method replaced the “golden age” cellulose buttons, with images were printed directly on thin pieces of metal that would be punched out and shaped into a button.

Other button styles have also developed over time, including tabs, flashers (buttons containing two images that change depending on the angle at which you see the button), lapel pins/studs and electronic buttons.

Buttons are not limited to political candidates, but also for political parties and specific policy issues. Novelty, satirical, and homemade buttons of a political nature are also common.

Case 7: State and local office campaign buttons and pins

Over the course of the twentieth century, campaign buttons were created for local and state level candidates as well.

Case 8.1: Campaign brochures and direct mail

Campaign brochures are a common handout for candidates, especially in local elections. Containing photographs of the candidate, a brief biography, and a series of campaign promises, brochures are handed out by canvassers in the neighborhood, by campaign workers are larger in-person events, or mailed out to voters.

Direct mail campaigns, even in the digital era, are still important tools to connect with voters. Direct mail campaigning allows candidates to make direct contact with voters, ask for support, or share a targeted message with specific demographics.

1. Mary Jornlin for State Treasurer
Mary Jornlin for State Treasurer mailer resembling a check, 1972
Robert J. Voshell collection of Delaware political ephemera scrapbooks

2. Tom du Pont
Tom du Pont, Candidate for State Rep., 14th district Republican first aid card, [1970]
Robert J. Voshell collection of Delaware political ephemera scrapbooks

3. Delaware State Republican Party
“Let’s make it another Republican Year, Introducing the Kent County Slate of Candidates” brochure, 1972
Robert J. Voshell collection of Delaware political ephemera scrapbooks

4. City People for Mayor Maloney
“Maloney, a new hope for city people” brochure, 1972
Robert J. Voshell collection of Delaware political ephemera scrapbooks

5. Creator unknown
“Please Re-elect Colin Bioini – Your State Senator” postcard, No date
Robert J. Voshell collection of Delaware political ephemera scrapbooks

6. Faith and Freedom Coalition
Voter Guide for Delaware, 2012
University of Delaware ephemera collection related to politics, policy and government

Candidates are not the only ones to campaign through the mail. Interest groups also use direct mail campaigns to compare candidates and make endorsements.

7. Delaware Democratic Party
Attack Ad against President George Bush’s reelection, 2004
University of Delaware ephemera collection related to politics, policy and government

Candidates can use direct mailings to drop opposition research or make arguments against their opponents. Attack ad mail is most commonly sent out in the last days of the campaign.

Case 8.2: Campaign songs

In the early days of the republic, voters had to be white, male and landowners, limiting the electorate to the wealthy and well educated. By the end of the 1830s, most states had repealed the landowner requirement, expanding the voter pool to less educated men. Campaign songs became tools to educate these new voters on candidates and issues. By composing simple songs set to well-known tunes, campaign songs could travel the country on the lips of voters and widen the reputation of the candidate.

Campaign songs remained popular throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when the expanding media landscape allowed campaigns to select popular music of the day to incorporate into their campaigns, a tradition that continues to this day.

1. George W. Clark
“Salt River Chorus.” Printed in The Free Soil Minstrel, New York: Martyn & Ely, 1848

The phrase “Salt River” originated in the American South during the Antebellum period, and refers to a river in Kentucky. In a political context, “Salt River” is used as a euphemism for political defeat, specifically losing an election.

2. Gray & Clarkson Printers
“Raise the Nation’s Emblem, Boys!” Printed in The Protection Collection of Campaign Songs for 1888.
Gray & Clarkson Printers, 1888.

3. W.F. Shaw Co.
The Tippecanoe Campaign Songster: Harrison and Morton; Sketch of Their Lives and Full Text of the Republican Platform.
W.F. Shaw, 1888.

4. Anita (Anita Lily) Pollitzer (1894-1975) Josephine Preston Peabody (1874-1922)
“The Woman’s Party Song.” Written for piano by Anita Pollitzer ; words by Josephine Preston Peabody. National Woman’s Party, undated.
Woman Suffrage Collection

Though primarily associated with presidential campaigns, campaign songs were also used to rally support for social and policy issues, including abolition and temperance.

5. Creator unknown
Sing for Willkie! Campaign songs for Wendell Willkie, 1940
Harold Brayman papers

Case 8.3: Pamphlets

Pamphlets are brief, unbound publications. With the explosion of the printing in the early sixteenth century, pamphlets became a dominant form of printed communication in Europe. In England, and later in the American colonies, pamphlets were printed on every topic, including: religion, politics, social and literacy criticism, short fiction, and autobiography. Pamphlets filled the information gaps left by newspapers of the day, which were usually limited to government action and the most important local happenings. Small, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and easily sharable, pamphlets became one of the chief forms of interpersonal communications in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

With the formation of the new government, and the rise of political parties in the 1790s, political pamphlets became tools of the parties and leaders to share policy proposals and attack opponents, as well as celebrating public events and political anniversaries, such as Election Day and Independence Day.

1. Hamilton, Alexander, et al.
The Farmer Refuted: Or, a More Impartial and Comprehensive View of the Dispute between Great-Britain and the Colonies, Intended As a Further Vindication of the Congress: In Answer to a Letter from A.w. Farmer, Intitled a View of the Controversy between Great-Britain and Her Colonies: Including, a Mode of Determining the Present Disputes Finally and Effectually, & C.
Printed by James Rivington, 1775.

American political pamphlets became a vehicle for debate about Parliamentary action and the colonial response leading up to the Revolutionary War. One such pamphlet is Farmer Refuted, authored by Alexander Hamilton discussing the political relationship between Great Britain and the colonies.

2. John Quincy Adams
An oration addressed to the citizens of the town of Quincy on the fourth of July, 1831, the fifty-fifth anniversary of the independence of the United States of America.
Boston : Richardson, Lord and Holbrook, 1831.

Pamphlets were also ways to republish speeches and public addresses for wider audiences.

3. Henry Ware
A sermon, delivered before His Excellency John Brooks, Esq. governor, His Honor William Phillips, Esq. lieutenant governor, the honorable Council, and the two houses composing the legislature of Massachusetts, on the anniversary election, May 30, 1821
Boston [Mass.] : Printed for B. Russell, printer to the state, Russell & Gardner, printers, 1821.

Common in New England in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, Election Day sermons were part of Election Day celebrations (Election Day was considered a holiday) or the opening of a legislative session. The purpose of the sermon was to remind government officials of their duty to govern well, and the people to honor the decisions made by the legislature.

Creator unknown
“[Goldwater] ’64 bumper sticker, 1964
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
“Delaware Small Wonder” bumper sticker
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
“Vote Republican Jan Bove for Attorney General” bumper sticker
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
“Kennedy for President” bumper sticker, 1960
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
“fight Air Pollution, gag a politician” bumper sticker
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
“[Andrew J.] Casey for Council vote Republican” bumper sticker
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
“Delaware for Ike 1956” bumper sticker, 1956
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
“[Henry] Folsom for President of [New Castle County] Council” bumper sticker, circa 1972
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
Campaign billboards, 1958
Photograph
Senator John J. Williams papers

Creator unknown
“[Sherman] Tribbitt for Governor” bumper sticker, 1972
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
“I like Bill Roth for Congress” bumper sticker, 1966-1968
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
“Women’s equality is economic equality. Women for Reagan-Bush ’84” bumper sticker, 1984
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

From left to right:

1. Creator unknown
“For your sake today and tomorrow, vote John J. Williams, U. S. Senate… Vote Republican November 4 [1952]” campaign poster, 1952
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

2. Creator unknown
“Jimmy Carter for President. A leader, for a change. Vote Dmeocratic.” campaign poster, circa 1976
Delaware ephemera collection relating to politics, policy and government

3. Creator unknown
“Win with Ike!” campaign poster, circa 1952
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

4. Creator unknown
“For your sake today and tomorrow, vote J. Caleb Boggs Governor… Vote Republican November 4 [1952]” campaign poster, 1952
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

From left to right:

1. Creator unknown
“Lisa Blunt Rochester. Democrat for Congress” campaign sign, 2018
Delaware ephemera collection relating to politics, policy and government

2. Creator unknown
“Ciferni for Mayor…” campaign sign, 2019
Delaware ephemera collection relating to politics, policy and government

3. Creator unknown
“Vote for Jeffrey Day. Christina School Board” campaign sign, May 7, 2017
Delaware ephemera collection relating to politics, policy and government

4. Creator unknown
“Bethany Hall-Long, Lieutenant Governor, Democrat” campaign sign, 2016
Delaware ephemera collection relating to politics, policy and government

5. Creator unknown
“James Spadola, State Auditor” campaign sign, 2018
Delaware ephemera collection relating to politics, policy and government

6. Creator unknown
“Vote Demitri Theodoropoulos U.S. Senate 2018…” campaign sign, 2018
Delaware ephemera collection relating to politics, policy and government

7. Creator unknown
“Putting people first. Re-elect Michael Kozikowski, NCC [New Castle County] Recorder of Deeds” campaign sign, 2018
Delaware ephemera collection relating to politics, policy and government

8. Creator unknown
“John Kowalko – Democrat, 25th State Representative District” campaign sign, 2018
Delaware ephemera collection relating to politics, policy and government

Hanes Corporation
Mike Castle for Senate tee shirt, 2010
Cotton
Delaware ephemera collection related to politics, policy and government

Creator unknown
Adlai Stevenson Clip-on bow tie, No date
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Ties are one of the ways that men can show flair in their wardrobe, and are an avenue for political expression.

Creator unknown
“Vote for Nixon” arm band, 1960
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Port & Company
“Make Delaware Great Again” baseball cap, 2018
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Hats have always been a common way to display political preference, particularly at rallies and national conventions.

Mars of Asheville, N.C.
Paper Nixon Campaign Dress, 1968
Cellulose

While cotton shirts are common, in the 1960s, paper dresses were a fad. Originally created by the Scott Paper Company, these cellulose buffered fabric allowed manufacturers to create “disposable” clothes that were somewhat fire and weather-resistant. Paper dresses embodied the pop culture and commercialism mindset of mid-century America. The trend extended to politics, as seen in the Mars Company Nixon paper dress from the 1968 presidential campaign.

Creator unknown
Republican-themed socks, No date
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
GOP handkerchief, No date
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
“I like Ike” plastic sunglasses, 1952
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
“Re-elect [John J.] Williams U.S. Senator” clip-on earrings, 1952-1964
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Various accessories and jewelry (other than political buttons) have also become fun ways to show support for your preferred candidate.

Creator unknown
Nixon necklace with elephant, 1960
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
Nixon tie clip, 1972
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
“Eisenhower Day” honor guard sash, Kansas City, September 19, 1952
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Nat Sherman Co.
“Win with Nixon” Queen-sized cigarettes, 1968
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
“Inauguration of President [Richard] Nixon and Vice President [Spiro] Agnew” ashtray, 1969-1973
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

D.D. Bean & Sons Co.
John Pillsbury for Governor [Republican – New Hampshire], No date
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
Bill Doherty, Democratic candidate for Coroner matchbook
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

D.D. Bean & Sons Co.
[Perkins] Bass for U.S. Senate matchbook, interior, No date
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Destroyer Promotional Products
Senator Chris Coons bobble head, Wilmington Blue Rocks
Delaware ephemera collection related to politics, policy, and government

Creator unknown
Lisa Blunt Rochester, Democrat for Congress water bottle, 2016
Delaware ephemera collection related to politics, policy, and government

Alexander Global Promotions (Bellevue, WA)
Senator Thomas R. Carper bobble head, Wilmington Blue Rocks
Delaware ephemera collection related to politics, policy, and government

Unknown creator,
Goldwater Stetson hat, 1964
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
“Chris Castagno, [New Castle] County Executive” soap bar, 2004 University of Delaware ephemera collection related to politics, policy, and government

Creator unknown
“Wipe out Bossism, Vote [George C.] Hering [III] for State Representative” sponge, 1966-1972
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown,
“Sew You’ll Remember Clayt Harrison for Recorder of Deeds” thimble
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
“[Walter] Bacon for Governor” thimble, 1940-1948
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
Vote [Elbert] Carvel for Governor nail file, circa 1948-1960
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Mondale/Ferraro Committee
“Mondale/Ferraro, They won’t rub you the wrong way!” nail file, 1988
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
[Daniel T.] Pennell, [Jr.,] for [State] Senate comb, 1970
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
“Click with Dick” [Richard] Nixon for President clicker/noise maker
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
Dwight D. Eisenhower fan in the shape of Eisenhower’s face, circa 1955
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
“Vote Republican” campaign cookie cutter
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
1964 Democratic National Convention, Atlantic City, plate, 1964
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
“Protect yourself vote for [Nelson] Rockefeller” potholder, circa 1964
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Bo-Lo (Atlanta, Ga.)
“Vote Republican. [Caleb] Boggs for U.S. Senate, John W. Rollins for Governor” paddle ball, 1960
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Sponsored Comics, Inc
“Ike’s Story” comic book, circa 1952
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

R. Dakin & Co.
Elephant hand puppet
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
JFK Coloring Book, circa 1961,
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
Photograph of Thomas J. Herlihy, Jr., and others en route to the 1936 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, OH,
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
National Democratic Convention Dinner, (Delaware Chapter). Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Smith, Senator and Mrs. Frear, Mrs. Harris McDowell, Mr. Jack Schwab, Mr. William Potter, Mr. Stein, and Mr. Robert F. Kelly, July 1948
Photograph
Senator J. Allen Frear, Jr., papers

Political conventions provide opportunities for party members to gather socially, as well as for party business, as can be seen in this photo from the 1948 Democratic Convention.

Republican National Convention
1928 Convention Press Ticket, June 1928
Harold Brayman papers

The press covers the convention, the excitement—and the drama—of the party, and helps drive the narrative of the general election. Increased press coverage of political conventions has been cited as a key factor in increasing interest in presidential politics in the latter half of the twentieth century.

Democratic National Committee
Democratic National Convention 1988 delegate badge for Wednesday, July 20, 1988
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
1988 Democratic National Convention button, 1988
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
1964 Republican National Convention Delegate Aide pin, 1964
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Halstead, Murat, et al.
Caucuses of 1860: A History of the National Political Conventions of the Current Presidential Campaign: Being a Complete Record of the Business of All the Conventions; with Sketches of Distinguished Men in Attendance Upon Them, and Descriptions of the Most Characteristic Scenes and Memorable Events.
Follett, Foster and Company, 1860.

While conventions have necessary and official business to conduct, they are also opportunities for party members from all over the country to come together, listen to party officials and leaders deliver energizing speeches, and, ideally, embrace the nominee for a unified general election campaign.

Creator unknown
“Change the Platform / Republicans for Choice” button, 1992
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Republican National Committee
1948 Republican National Committee Party Platform, 1948
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Delegates to the convention discuss, debate, and vote on the party platform, the officially endorsed governing philosophy and policy priorities for the party. For the national party, the presidential nominee, and their policy preferences, wields a lot of influence in the final construction in the platform. State level party organizations also create a platform reflecting the accomplishments and goals of gubernatorial and state legislative candidates and incumbents.

Republican National Convention,
Official Program for the 1948 Republican National Convention, June 21, 1948
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Charles A. Halleck
Nominating speech for Wendell Willkie for the Republican nomination for President of the United States, June 26, 1940
Harold Brayman papers

Wendell L. Willkie
Acceptance Speech for the Republican Presidential Nominee, August 17, 1940
Harold Brayman papers

State of Delaware
Affidavit for Absentee Ballot
Gwynne P. Smith papers

Delaware Democratic State Committee
Radio announcement script with information for voter registration, October 1954
Senator J. Allen Frear, Jr., papers

Creator unknown
“I voted for the next President” sticker
Delaware ephemera collection related to politics, policy, and government

Jack Jurden
“Get out and vote! Or forever hold your peace!” cartoon, Wilmington News Journal, November 5, 1996
Jack Jurden political and editorial cartoons

Creator unknown
1864 Delaware general election sample ballot for the National Union Ticket, 1864
Ron Finch collection

Creator unknown
Sample Ballot, 1954
Robert J. Voshell collection of Delaware political ephemera scrapbooks

Gwynne Smith
Voter Turnout Tally from the 1982 election, 7th representative district, August 16 1983
Gwynne P. Smith papers

Once the polls close, the vote counting starts. Campaigns keep their own tallies at various precincts in their districts, in addition to the official counts reported to the Board of Elections.

Lubitsh & Bungarz Promotional Photography
Republican Headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, November 1952
Photograph
Senator John J. Williams papers

Party officials and candidates gather at campaign headquarters to monitor the vote counts, celebrate candidate victories, and commiserate in electoral defeat.

Board of Elections for New Castle County
Voter Disqualification Form
Gwynne P. Smith papers

Access to voting is an important issue, not just for the candidates, but for those who administer elections as well. Election officials provide valuable information to make sure everyone who can vote is able to do so. They also give candidates a way to disqualify potentially improper votes.

Jack Jurden
Return Day cartoon, Wilmington News Journal, 2008
Jack Jurden political and editorial cartoons collection

Creator unknown
Return Day 1978 program, November 9, 1978
Robert J. Voshell collection of Delaware political ephemera scrapbooks

Richard L. Burke
“Delaware Rivals Join to Bury the Hatchet,” New York Times, November 11, 1988
Facsimile
Dale E. and Clarice Wolf paper and memorabilia

Creator unknown
Return Day 1996 program, November 7, 1996
Robert J. Voshell collection of Delaware political ephemera scrapbooks

Jack Jurden
Return Day cartoon, Wilmington News Journal, 1996
Jack Jurden political and editorial cartoons collection

97.1 the Fox
Return Day 1996 Ox Roast napkin, November 7, 1996
University of Delaware ephemera collection related to politics, policy, and government

Creator unknown
Photographs of Dale and Clarice Wolf on Return Day, November 10, 1988
Facsimile
Dale E. and Clarice Wolf papers and memorabilia

Creator unknown
Photographs of Return Day, November 10, 1988
Facsimile
Dale E. and Clarice Wolf papers and memorabilia

Creator unknown
Photographs of Dale Wolf and Gary Hinds during the Return Day parade, November 10, 1988
Facsimile
Dale E. and Clarice Wolf papers and memorabilia

Creator unknown
Inauguration of Governor [Richard] McMullen and Democratic State Government ribbon, January 19, 1937
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

State of Delaware
Program for the Inauguration of Governor Ruth Ann Minner and Lieutenant Governor John Carney, January 16, 2001
Robert J. Voshell collection of Delaware political ephemera scrapbooks

Creator unknown
Inauguration of Governor Caleb Boggs button, January 15, 1957
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Lubitsh & Bungarz Promotional Photography
Gubernatorial Inaugural Ball: Senator and Mrs. Williams, Senator and Mrs. Frear, Governor and Mrs. Boggs, Others, January 15, 1957
Photograph
Senator John J. Williams papers

Creator unknown
Delaware Delegation [to the] Inauguration of President [Dwight D.] Eisenhower ribbon, January 20, 1957
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
Ticket for John B. Hutton, Presidential Elector from the state of Delaware, to the Roosevelt-Garner Inaugural Ceremonies, March 1933
John B. Hutton ticket to Roosevelt-Garner inaugural ceremonies

Whitehead & Hoag Co.
Delaware Delegation for the Presidential Inauguration [of Herbert Hoover] pin, March 4, 1929
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Garrison Toy & Novelty Company
“[Franklin Delano] Roosevelt and [Henry] Wallace Inauguration ribbon with donkey medal, January 20, 1941
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Franklin D. Roosevelt
Inaugural Address, March 4, 1933
Harold Brayman papers

Wide World Photos
New Senators taking the oath of office. Senators Frear, Johnson, Douglas, Kerr, with Senator Vandenberg giving oath, January 3, 1949
Photograph
Senator J. Allen Frear, Jr., papers

State of Delaware
Certificate of Election for Myrna L. Bair, State Senate, 5th District, November 7, 1996
Myrna Bair papers

Certificates of election serve as the formal endorsement by the state that a candidate has won election. These certificates are presented before elected officials take their oaths of office.

Schutz Photographer
The Inaugural Dinner hosted by Harry S Truman and Alben Barkley, the Presidential electors. At table # 36: Mr. and Mrs. Gray, Mr. and Mrs. Grover, Mr. and Mrs. Freer, Senator and Mrs. Frear, Mr. Jacob Mays, and Senator and Mrs. Kerr, January 19, 1949
Photograph
Senator J. Allen Frear, Jr., papers

Creator unknown
[John F.] Kennedy Inauguration Day, including Williams and former President Harry Truman, January 20, 1961
Photograph
Senator John J. Williams papers

Creator unknown
Eisenhower–Inaugural Parade, Delaware Float, Governor Boggs, January 21, 1957
Photograph
Senator John J. Williams papers

Creator unknown
Inauguration of President [Ronald] Reagan and Vice President [George H. W.]Bush seal, circa 1981-1985
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Scott Walker
“[Scott] Walker [for Congress]” signs, 2018
Plywood
University of Delaware ephemera collection related to politics, policy and government

Creator unknown
1984 Republican National Convention Delaware stanchion, 1984
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown
1960 Republican National Convention Delaware stanchion, 1960
Jerome O. Herlihy political campaign ephemera collection

Creator unknown,
J. Edward Addicks Club of Delaware ribbon, 1900
Ron Finch collection

Addicks was a businessman and pioneer in the natural gas industry, known for attempting to gain a U.S. Senate seat in Delaware between 1895 and 1901. Though ultimately unsuccessful, his candidacy and political maneuverings led to a period of time when Delaware had no representation in the U.S. Senate, a contributing factor to the eventual passage of the Seventeenth Amendment.

This ribbon is from the 1900 Republican National Convention, when Delaware Republicans sent two different sets of delegates. Addicks’ delegation was eventually recognized, representing the Union Republicans.

Creator unknown
Abraham Lincoln / Andrew Johnson ferrotype button, Lincoln face (recto), 1864
Facsimile, original in exhibition
Collection of Jerome O. Herlihy

Adlai Stevenson
Campaign speech, November 1, 1952
Adlai Stevenson 1952 presidential campaign speeches

DeWitt, J. Doyle. 1959. A century of campaign buttons, 1789-1889; a descriptive list of medalets, tokens, buttons, ferrotypes, and other lapel devices relating to the national political campaigns in the United States from 1789 to 1889.