• Exhibit Introduction

• The Prize:
  The Power of the Presidency

• The Candidates:
  Party Conventions

• The Chase:
  Political Campaigning

• The Image:
  Marketing the Candidates

• The Choice:
  Election Day

• The Coronation:
  Inaugurating the President

• Related resources:
  
  • Election results 1900-1944
  • Election results 1948-2000
  • 1948 Election
  • Teacher Lesson Plans

• Back to the
  Truman Library Home Page

THE CHOICE:
Election Day

Election Day is unique in the campaign process. After being assaulted for months by campaign advertising - much of it negative in nature - the voters finally have their opportunity to register their voice.

Compared to the rough and tumble of the campaign, Election Day is quiet and solemn. For many voters, walking into the voting booth is a religious experience. Others feel it inspires a sense of patriotism and community, that feeling of belonging to something that is larger than the individual voters.

As the campaign rhetoric passes, voters are left to themselves to make their individual decisions in the privacy of the voting booth.