14 Interesting Facts About the First Presidential Election

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You’ve probably heard about the historic first presidential election in the United States, but what you might not realize is just how different, and frankly, strange, it was compared to modern elections. We tend to think of it as this clear-cut, well-organized event, but in reality, things were a bit chaotic. Communication was slow, there were no real political parties, and the rules were still being ironed out. Imagine trying to coordinate an election across 13 states without the internet, phones, or even reliable roads.

While we’ve got a pretty good grasp on how the election system works today (even if we still argue about it), back in 1789, it was a whole new experiment in democracy. Voters were restricted to a small subset of the population, the Electoral College was still a mystery to most, and many states had their own way of doing things. It’s fascinating to see how far we’ve come, but also how much of the system has remained.

Before we get into the quirks and facts about this first election, it’s worth remembering that this was a time when democracy was still very much a gamble. The stakes were high, and no one knew if it was going to work. So, with that context in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most interesting, and sometimes bizarre, facts about the first time America chose its leader.

1. George Washington Was Basically Unchallenged

It’s no secret that George Washington was America’s unanimous choice for its first president. In fact, Washington didn’t really have any opponents. He was so popular and revered for his leadership during the Revolutionary War that no one dared challenge him. His reputation was enough to guarantee him the presidency.

However, Washington didn’t really want the job at first. He would have much preferred to retire to his estate at Mount Vernon and live a quiet life. But the new country needed him, and his sense of duty pulled him back into the spotlight. While we celebrate his leadership today, it’s worth remembering that Washington stepped into the role somewhat reluctantly.

2. The Voting System Was Far from Standardized

In today’s elections, there’s a fairly consistent method for casting votes across the country. But back in 1789, each state had its own way of selecting electors, which led to a patchwork of processes. Some states allowed citizens to vote directly for electors, while others had state legislatures make the choice.

This variability in the election process made things more confusing and less transparent. It wasn’t as simple as showing up at a polling place, in some cases, voters had to rely on local elites to pick the electors who would then vote for the president. It’s a stark contrast to the standardized procedures we’re used to today.

3. Only White Male Property Owners Could Vote

When we talk about democracy today, we imagine it as something inclusive. But in 1789, the pool of eligible voters was incredibly limited. Only white male property owners had the right to vote, and even then, the exact requirements varied from state to state. This meant that a tiny fraction of the population actually participated in choosing the president.

The restrictions on voting meant that most Americans, women, the poor, enslaved people, and free Black individuals, had no voice in the election. While this was typical for the era, it’s a reminder that the democracy we often praise was, in its infancy, far from the inclusive system we envision today.

4. There Were No Official Political Parties

It’s hard to imagine an election without political parties, but in 1789, that’s exactly what happened. There were no Democrats or Republicans, no formalized parties at all. While political factions existed, they were informal, and the idea of organized political parties didn’t take hold until later elections.

Without political parties, there was no official campaign as we know it today. George Washington didn’t have a campaign manager, there were no ads or debates, and yet, the political landscape was already starting to form. Factions began to emerge, laying the groundwork for the party system that would dominate future elections.

5. The Electoral College Was Brand New and Confusing

If you think the Electoral College is a bit complicated now, imagine how it must have been back in 1789 when it was used for the first time. The framers of the Constitution created the system to balance power between the states, but many voters didn’t fully understand how it worked.

Essentially, electors were chosen to represent each state, and they were the ones who actually cast votes for president. But since the system was so new, there was confusion about the exact process. It wasn’t yet the clearly defined system we recognize today, and it would take a few more elections before everyone got the hang of it.

6. The Vice President Wasn’t Chosen as a Running Mate

Here’s a fun twist, John Adams didn’t run as George Washington’s vice president. In fact, during the first election, the candidate who came in second automatically became vice president. There was no concept of a “running mate” in 1789.

Adams, who had played a key role in the American Revolution and the drafting of the Constitution, ended up with the second-highest number of votes, making him the vice president. This system of choosing a vice president lasted until the 12th Amendment in 1804, when candidates started running as part of a ticket.

7. The Results Took Weeks to Finalize

Today, we’re used to getting election results within hours or days, but in 1789, things moved at a much slower pace. With no phones, internet, or even a reliable postal system, it took weeks for the votes to be tallied and the results to be confirmed.

The slowness of communication meant that many people were left in the dark about the election for an extended period. By the time the results reached some areas, Washington was already preparing to take office. This delay was just another challenge in conducting the first national election in a new country.

8. Inauguration Day Wasn’t in January

Unlike today’s January inauguration, George Washington didn’t take office until April 30, 1789. The lengthy gap between the election and inauguration was partly due to the time it took to tally votes and partly because the country was still figuring out its systems and protocols.

Washington was sworn in at Federal Hall in New York City, which served as the temporary capital of the United States. His inauguration marked the official start of the American presidency and set the tone for future ceremonies, though many of the traditions we recognize today hadn’t yet been established.

9. The First Presidential Election Didn’t Happen on One Day

If you’re picturing a single election day like we have now, think again. The first presidential election wasn’t held on a specific day. Instead, it took place over several weeks, from December 1788 to January 1789. States could hold their elections at different times, which added to the confusion and the slow process of tallying votes.

Without standardized voting days, different regions voted whenever they were ready, leading to an election that was less organized than today’s tightly scheduled process. It’s a far cry from the carefully coordinated election day we’re used to now.

10. Slavery Played a Role in the Election

Slavery cast a long shadow over the first presidential election. Southern states, in particular, benefited from the Three-Fifths Compromise, which allowed them to count enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for the purposes of representation and the Electoral College. This gave Southern states more political power, even though enslaved individuals had no rights and couldn’t vote.

This unequal distribution of power helped shape early American politics, giving slaveholding states more influence in the election process. It’s a harsh reminder that the founding of the United States, including its first presidential election, was deeply intertwined with the institution of slavery.

11. George Washington Didn’t Want the Job

As mentioned earlier, despite being unanimously chosen, George Washington was initially hesitant to accept the presidency. He had retired from public life after the Revolutionary War and wanted to enjoy a quiet life at his estate, Mount Vernon. However, his peers saw him as the only person capable of uniting the country, and Washington ultimately felt a sense of duty to serve.

Washington’s reluctance adds a human dimension to the story. Unlike today’s candidates, who campaign tirelessly for the presidency, Washington had to be convinced to take on the role. His sense of responsibility to the fledgling nation overruled his desire for retirement.

12. There Was Little National Media Coverage

Today, we’re bombarded with media coverage during elections, but in 1789, the national press barely existed. Newspapers were localized and often partisan, meaning that most Americans didn’t have access to widespread (somewhat) unbiased election coverage. Information about the election was passed through word of mouth or small, regional publications.

The lack of national media meant that many people were unaware of the details of the election. Unlike modern elections, where every aspect is scrutinized by journalists, the first presidential election played out quietly in many parts of the country.

13. Voter Turnout Was Extremely Low

With such restrictive voting laws, it’s no surprise that voter turnout for the first presidential election was extremely low. It’s estimated that only about 1.3% of the population participated in the election. The small group of eligible voters, white, male property owners, meant that the vast majority of Americans had no voice in choosing their first president.

The low turnout starkly contrasts today’s elections, where efforts to increase voter participation are constantly in play. But in 1789, voting was a privilege reserved for the elite, and most Americans had no say in the process.

14. Washington’s Victory Set the Tone for a Peaceful Transfer of Power

One of the most significant aspects of the first presidential election was that it established the principle of a peaceful transfer of power. Although Washington was the obvious choice, his election demonstrated that the country could choose a leader through a democratic process without violence or upheaval.

This peaceful transfer of power became one of the hallmarks of American democracy and remains a vital part of the political system. Washington’s willingness to step into the role, and later to step down after two terms, helped shape the norms of the presidency and the electoral process.

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