Hayes-Tilden Election: Disputed Result Threatens Crisis

The 1876 presidential election between Republican Rutherford B. Hayes and Democrat Samuel Tilden produced disputed electoral votes in Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina, all states with contested Reconstruction governments and documented voter suppression. Tilden won the popular vote. The dispute went to a special electoral commission that voted 8-7 along party lines for Hayes. Resolution required negotiation between Republican and Southern Democratic leaders.