Themes

Studying the Poll Lists

The Museum’s discovery of poll lists that include the names of women and free people of color who voted in New Jersey from 1800 to 1807 has revealed various patterns, themes, and possible trends among these voters and the elections they participated in. Here, we explore some of these themes.
How Do We Study the Lists?: The Museum’s Research Process

How Do We Study the Lists?: The Museum’s Research Process

Staff and researchers faced many challenges in learning more about early New Jersey voters and elections. Learn about them here.
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How Did They Vote?: The Process of Voting in the Early Republic

How Did They Vote?: The Process of Voting in the Early Republic

Voting in the Early Republic was not a uniform process. Learn more about voting in the first decades after declaring independence.
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No Racial Requirement: Free Voters of Color in New Jersey

No Racial Requirement: Free Voters of Color in New Jersey

Free people of color could and did vote in early New Jersey. Learn more about their experiences and how we identified these voters on the lists.
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Strength in Numbers: Women Voting Together in New Jersey

Strength in Numbers: Women Voting Together in New Jersey

Poll lists reveal that women often voted together with female family members and friends. Learn more about women voting in groups.
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Property Of Their Own: Widowed Women Voters in New Jersey

Property Of Their Own: Widowed Women Voters in New Jersey

Initial research has revealed that widowed women were some of the most frequent voters among women whose names appear on New Jersey poll lists. Learn more about widows and voting in early New Jersey.
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All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women Voters in New Jersey

All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women Voters in New Jersey

Initial research has revealed that many single women’s names are recorded on the recently discovered poll lists. Learn more about unmarried women and voting in early New Jersey.
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