The Five Times a Single Vote Made a Difference

In democratic societies, every vote is meant to carry equal weight, but it is not often that a single vote becomes the deciding factor in an election or a critical decision. However, history has witnessed moments where the power of one vote has shaped the course of events and altered the course of nations. In this article, we’ll take a look at five remarkable instances when a single vote made a significant difference, highlighting the impact of individual participation in the democratic process.

1. The 1645 Vote That Determined Control of the English House of Commons

In 1645, during the English Civil War, a parliamentary election in the borough of Basingstoke resulted in a tie. With the outcome of the war hanging in the balance, the casting vote of the Speaker of the House was required to determine which faction would secure control of the English House of Commons. The Speaker, William Lenthall, cast his vote in favor of the Parliamentarians, ultimately shaping the direction of the war and the course of English history. This historic event showcased the immense power and responsibility entrusted to individuals who hold the deciding vote. 

2. The 1800 Presidential Election in the United States

The 1800 United States presidential election between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr resulted in an electoral college tie, requiring the House of Representatives to decide the winner. In the House, each state delegation held one vote. After numerous ballots, the deadlock was finally broken when Alexander Hamilton, a prominent political figure, persuaded several representatives to change their votes in favor of Jefferson. As a result, Jefferson was elected as the third President of the United States by a single vote. This showed the influence of personal persuasion and the power of strategic decision-making. 

3. The 1839 Election That Led to the Creation of the Canadian Province of Manitoba

In 1870, the election for the Manitoba Legislative Assembly in Canada resulted in a tie between two candidates. To break the deadlock, the returning officer, David Glass, cast his vote in favor of Thomas Howard, who went on to win by a single vote. This electoral result was crucial because it secured the majority needed to create the province of Manitoba, shaping the Canadian Confederation and its subsequent development. The close margin in this election showed the potential impact of individual civic participation. It underscored the importance of every vote, as even a single ballot can determine significant political decisions that shape the future of a nation.

4. The 1948 United States Senate Primary Election in Texas

In 1948, the Democratic primary election for the United States Senate seat in Texas between Lyndon B. Johnson and Coke Stevenson was closely contested. The initial count showed Johnson trailing by a small margin, but after a recount, Johnson won by just 87 votes. This narrow victory paved the way for Johnson's subsequent political career, leading to his eventual presidency and shaping American history. 

5. The 2008 Election That Determined the New Hampshire House of Representatives

In 2008, a New Hampshire state representative race resulted in an exact tie between Democrat Susan Emerson and Republican Kris Roberts. To resolve the deadlock, the candidates agreed to a random draw, with a specially marked deck of cards determining the winner. Susan Emerson drew the four of diamonds, securing her victory and her place in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. This case showed that even when an election ends in a tie, creative solutions can be found to determine the winner.