Shaping the future - Elections in imagery

It felt good to vote this morning. The poll I go to had a fairly steady stream of voters, and a very friendly staff of volunteers and other helpers. The remainder of today should be interesting, as the results of many very important contests are revealed.

In the spirit of the election, I thought I would share some political images from the Collection of the Library of Congress:

Summary: Photo shows a large crowd of people waiting during President Abraham Lincoln's inauguration, which was held on a rainy day at the U.S. Capitol grounds in Washington, D.C.

 

Summary: Political campaign button for the 1864 presidential election showing bust portrait of Abraham Lincoln, facing left (Anthony Berger photo Feb. 9, 1864); metal casing with text "Pat. Apr. 2, 1861" and stars encircling portrait.

 

Summary: Political campaign button for Abraham Lincoln's first (1860) U.S. presidential campaign.

  

 Summary: A commemorative badge for the inauguration of President Zachary Taylor. Taylor was sworn in on March 5, a day later than the customary inauguration date, which in 1849 fell on a Sunday. This image is based on several period daguerreotypes of Taylor.

Summary: Telegrahic reports received, speculation upon the result - the crowd generally excited. N.Y.C.

Summary: Political campaign button for 1864 presidential election showing bust portrait of Abraham Lincoln, facing right (possibly Wenderoth & Taylor photo); metal shield with oval window and with pin fastener attached.