Democracy at a Distance: The 1944 Election and the Story of an Infantry Man's Ballot

Here we have a fascinating historical artifact: an envelope labeled "Official Election War Ballot- Via Air Mail," addressed to the County Board of Elections in Erie County. This envelope traveled all the way from Fort Benning, Georgia, and was dated November 2, 1944. What is most intriguing about this envelope is the story it tells – a story of how democracy functioned during one of the most tumultuous periods in our history, World War II.

In 1944, the world was entrenched in the throes of World War II. American soldiers were deployed across the globe, fighting for the freedoms they held dear. At home, the country was heavily engaged in the war effort, with everyone doing their bit to support the troops and the cause. Despite the chaos and the difficulties, life went on, and so did the essential functions of our democracy, such as voting in the Presidential election.

So how did an infantryman stationed at Fort Benning, GA, participate in the 1944 Presidential Election? The answer lies in absentee voting, or as it was labeled at the time, the "Official Election War Ballot."

The process was simple but profound in its impact. A soldier would request an absentee ballot from their home county's Board of Elections. Once received, they would fill out the ballot, place it in the official envelope, and mail it back. The ballot would then be counted with the rest of the votes from their home county. To ensure that these votes would be included in the official tally, these envelopes were marked "Via Air Mail." This method was a significant innovation in ensuring that those serving their country overseas still had a voice in choosing its leadership.

The year 1944 was a pivotal time for American politics and the global landscape. Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Democrat, was running for an unprecedented fourth term, with Harry S. Truman as his Vice Presidential candidate. They were running against the Republican ticket of Thomas E. Dewey and John W. Bricker. The election was conducted against the backdrop of World War II and a series of significant events.

The D-Day landings had taken place earlier that year in June, marking a turning point in the war. The Battle of Leyte Gulf, one of the largest naval battles in history, occurred in October. It was clear that the tide of the war was shifting, but victory was not yet secured, and the future of the world hung in the balance.

In this environment, the American public reelected Roosevelt, giving him a mandate to see the war to its conclusion. Roosevelt won with 53.4% of the popular vote and 432 electoral votes, while Dewey received 45.9% of the popular vote and 99 electoral votes. However, Roosevelt's fourth term would be cut short. He died just a few months into his new term, in April 1945, and Vice President Harry Truman assumed the presidency.

The envelope from Fort Benning, GA, is more than just an old piece of mail. It represents the commitment of the United States to uphold its democratic values, even in the most challenging times. It reminds us of the dedication of our servicemen and women, who, even as they fought for democracy abroad, took the time to participate in it back home. Above all, it stands as a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of our democratic process.

As we look at this envelope, let's remember and honor not just the infantryman who mailed it, but all those who have made our democracy possible.