1840 Philadelphia mayoral election

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

Philadelphia mayoral election, 1840

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

1840 Philadelphia mayoral election results[1]

Candidate		Votes	%
John Swift		6,355	56.87%
Henry Horn		4,820	43.13%
Total votes		11,175

References

1. "Mayors of the City of Philadelphia 1691-2000". City of Philadelphia. Retrieved 28 April 2019.