1840 Philadelphia mayoral election

Summary

The 1840 Philadelphia mayoral election saw John Swift reelected to office for his eighth overall non-consecutive term.[1]

1840 Philadelphia mayoral election
← 1839
1841 →
 
Nominee John Swift Henry Horn
Popular vote 6,355 4,820
Percentage 56.87% 43.13%

Mayor before election

John Swift
Whig

Elected Mayor

John Swift
Whig

This was the first Philadelphia mayoral election in which the mayor wound up being solely elected by the general public.[1] Since Swift received a majority in the general election, the City Council did not select the mayor.[1] Beginning in 1839, the city operated under a mixed electoral system. Citizens voted for mayor in a general election. If a candidate receive a majority of the vote, they would be elected mayor. However, if no candidate received a majority, the City Council would select a mayor from the top-two finishers.[1]

Results edit

1840 Philadelphia mayoral election results[1]
Candidate Votes %
John Swift (incumbent) 6,355 56.87%
Henry Horn 4,820 43.13%
Total votes 11,175

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e "Mayors of the City of Philadelphia 1691-2000". City of Philadelphia. Retrieved April 28, 2019.