1840 is considered the year when campaigns and trinkets really began to flourish. Their party generated enthusiastic support with parades, political rallies, and souvenirs that were intended to get them elected. Much of the political activity has shifted toward special interest groups. The twentieth century brought the age of electronic transmission, first radio, then television, and now home pages on the Internet. All of these forums are used to reach the voting public.
Media consultants view voters as members of an audience rather than participants in a process.
Gadgets such as buttons, pins, banners, and posters are not considered to be as valuable in generating votes . This has led to a decrease in their production. It will be interesting to watch how future elections are conducted and if broad based voter participation is ever revived. This exhibit of buttons, ribbons, pins, watch fobs, medalets, postcards, and sheet music is made possible through the courtesy of the Ohio Historical Society and the Macy Hallock collections. The author wishes to thank these people for generously allowing her to photograph their materials for this educational project.