Students from American Nation I course took part in a mock election on Monday in the style of the 1840s in the courtyard between Irby Hall and Torreyson Library.
Students attempted to recreate the energy and excitement of election days from the period. They cheered on voters at the ballot box, chanted songs and slogans, and served free hot cider.
The goal of the mock election was to highlight differences in voting experience between now and the 1840s — the lack of secret balloting, the restrictions on the electorate by race and gender, and the rather rambunctious and rowdy festivities that accompanied voting. Visit UCA’s YouTube website to hear more about the mock election rally.