Evening star., 1928-10-23
The History OF Presidential Elections
XXIII-What of Today?
BY FREDERIC ]. HASKIN.
Author of "The American Government"

ter solution for the prohibition ques-
tion must be found. Others have de-
clared that they see in the Democracy
greater hope for an adjustment of the
economic disadvantages of agriculture.
Scarcely a person prominent in polit-
1cal life has given as reason for
changing his alignment the religious
faith of either of the candidates, and
few ministers of the gospel, in support
ing or opposing either candidate, have
given religion as the reason. This ret
icence to bring religion openly into
the contest indicates both a respect
for the constitutional guarantees of
freedom of worship, and q regard for
the historic fact than an attack upon
candidate upon religious grounds has
in the past won votes for the man
attacked.
Smiths Losses and Gains Cited.
Gov. Smith has nevertheless probably
both lost and gained votes because he
is Roman Catholic. No man Of his
faith has ever been elected President
The preachers active in his opposition
are ProteStants. Mr.. Hoover has
probably lost and gained lesser num-
| ber of votes because he is a Quaker
Those questioning his religious quail
| flcation for the presidency have not
been preachers, but persons moved by
| the non-resisting belief of his church
which has in some cases prevented its
members from taking arms in defense
| of the country.
| This campaign has seen a material
| shifting in party aff1liation, and the
| vote may demonstrate still greater
shift among those whose political opin-
] ions find no expression save in the
ballot box. The differences between the
parties have not been broad. The shift
| ing must to some degree be attributed
to reasons not fully publicly expressed.
| AS is customary, each party has
| directed its efforts to three purposes
keeping enthusiasm high among those
| definitely determined In its cause. win
ming voters from the opposition, and
persuading the neutral or negligent citi-
zens to vote. Great sums have been
contributed and expended for each side
Probably the last of the three purposes
outlined has had more attention than
ever before. A score and more years
| ago, and back through our history. the
privilege Of the ballot was held in high
esteem. Every citizen, with few excep-
tions, voted at all elections.
"Get Out the vote!"
In recent years the practice has been
more and more neglected. Theoretically
about 10000 900 people are eligible to
vote In the United States. Qualifying
laws regarding illjterates, poll taxes,
early registration and other require
ments cut down this number, yet 1t is
safe to say that If every person eligible
| by Midsummer would qualify for voting.
there could be $4,000, 900 ballots counted
in November If more than 10000, 900
people vote, 1t will be the greatest num-
ber in history.
Students of government see a great
danger in this neglect of the ballot.
and partisan workers see in it the op-
portunity to increase their party show
| ing and win the decision. Will the pub
lie this year respond to the joint cry
Of patriotism and Of partnership. and
take part in the election? Will the
women of the Nation accept the duty
and privilege conferred on them after
long struggle through the nineteenth
amendment, or will but IS per cent Of
them participate, as in the recent
past? win America come, to consider