What were elections like in the 1800s?

Elections in the 1800s were very different than today's so I went searching for material that would explain the differences.  Here are some interesting facts:

1. Limited Voter Eligibility: Surprisingly, in the early 1800s, only a small portion of the population could vote—typically white male property owners over the age of 21. This excluded women, most non-white individuals, and white men who didn’t own property. It wasn’t until the 1820s-1830s that most white men gained voting rights through the removal of property requirements. When you look at it this way, we have come a long way in our efforts to change society. Imagine a world where women and people of color could not vote. It would be very different. 
2. Party Rivalries and Political Change: The early 1800s saw the emergence of America’s first political parties, the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. We didn't even have Republicans and Democrats. 
3. Voting by Voice or Public Ballots: Many states held elections with public, not secret, ballots. In some cases, voting was done openly by voice. This lack of privacy made voting highly visible and could lead to intimidation or social pressure. Now that is interesting, I can't imagine voting not being private. 
4. Influence of Newspapers and Pamphlets: Newspapers were highly partisan and served as mouthpieces for political parties, often publishing vicious attacks against opponents. Campaigns relied on these newspapers and pamphlets, as well as public speeches and debates, to spread their messages. Well, that hasn't changed much. 
5. Different Voting Process and Electoral College: The process of voting was often indirect, as state legislatures appointed electors to the Electoral College rather than having a direct popular vote for president in many states. The role of the Electoral College was much more central, and elections could end up being decided by Congress, as was the case in the election of 1824, where Andrew Jackson lost despite winning the popular vote. Think Hillary Clinton. In addition, three more won the popular vote and lost the presidential election. Oh, and dangling chads for Al Gore.
6. Less Regulation and More Disorder: Early elections could be chaotic and even violent, with reports of riots, physical fights, and coercion at polling places. Additionally, voter fraud was not uncommon, with incidents of people voting multiple times or casting fraudulent ballots. Ah, fraud. That hasn't changed much. Collection boxes set on fire, missing votes found and lost and found again. Oh, and then they lost them for good. 
7. Local Celebrations and Public Events: Election Day often felt like a public festival. People gathered in town centers, and voting was a social event with parades, speeches, and sometimes even food and alcohol. It was a mix of civic duty and social gathering, reinforcing local community ties. 

The country has changed albeit slowly and it has remained the same as well. Women and people of color can vote without restriction thank God. In addition, it wouldn't be unusual to form a different party, as you can see it has been done in the past. So, if you are dissatisfied by our current choices, there are options. I like the idea and honestly miss voting day when everyone went to their precinct and voted. You saw neighbors and friends and it was a lot more fun. I get that voting by mail is easier, but it also negates the sense of community you feel while standing in line. 

I have always felt that since we give federal holidays away like candy nowadays, maybe we could make voting day a holiday. But then, no one listens to me, even when I have a great idea.  Because voting is the most important thing we can do for our country, and it is not a federal holiday.  That does not make sense to me and never has. 

I no longer trust the media and that is sad to write. I trust nothing electronic which has made for a more peaceful life while everyone around me is melting down.  Nothing makes sense anymore. Certainly not politics, or war, or the inability that people have developed that have made one side hate the other with such animosity it is almost unbelievable. 

And there I shall end my dissertation on the state of the nation come Tuesday or whatever day you voted. Life will go on whether or not we like it.  It floored me when my 13-year-old granddaughter asked me if there were going to be riots again.  Ugh. We have made a mess of things again. But life is messy as anyone can tell you.