How did Lincoln win the election of 1860 with barely 40 percent of the popular vote?
A) The other candidate turned his votes over to Lincoln.
B) Lincoln won the electoral college.
C) The contest was decided by the Supreme Court.
D) The runner-up died two weeks prior, turning those votes over to Lincoln.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lincoln won the 1860 election primarily because he secured a majority in the Electoral College, despite receiving less than half of the popular vote. The vote was split among four main candidates, allowing Lincoln to win with a plurality of the popular vote.

How Did Lincoln Win the Election of 1860 with Barely