December 17, 1798

Michigan’s first American election was held.

The three-day electoral contest pitted James May, a former British subject, against Solomon Sibley. Each voter announced the candidate of his choice. According to May, who lost the election, Sibley won because he passed out liquor to the voters and had soldiers armed with clubs threaten to beat those who voted for May.

Thank you Michigan Start Pages for this glimpse into our past.  See more here.