Roosevelt Signed 3x Voting Ballot, Including His Ironic 'Nay' Vote For The Extension Of The Governor's Term -

Roosevelt Franklin

 

Roosevelt Signed 3x Voting Ballot, Including his Ironic 'Nay' Vote for the Extension of the Governor's Term

 

Just before being elected Governor of New York, Franklin D. Roosevelt completes an absentee ballot for the elections of Duchess County, New York, writing in his wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, as School Director, and voting against the extension of the governor's term

 

Franklin D Roosevelt, Official Absentee Voter Registration Document, completed and Signed Three Times in full signature "Franklin D. Roosevelt" along with the Completed Accompanying Ballots filled out in his hand, for the General Election of November 8, 1927 for Dutchess County, New York. The balloting document consists of three pieces as shown below:

 

The mailing envelope: FDR has boldly signed and dated the outside of the envelope (containing the ballot) in black ink three times. Twice to the recto, and once on the verso. Within the envelope there are two official Absentee Voter Ballots: one being "Questions Submitted County of Duchess November 8, 1927"; the other "General Officers County of Duchess Second Assembly District November 8, 1927". Post marked "October 1927, Warm Springs, GA", the location of Roosevelt's therapeutic resort. Torn open along left side, not affecting signature.

 

The "Questions Submitted" ballot contains nine proposed amendments, each with a "Yes" and "No" box that the voter is to cross mark accordingly (Roosevelt has marked his choices with an "X" in pencil). The proposed amendments include: Executive Budget, City Debt Limit, Grade Crossing Elimination, Salaries, Head of Executive Department, Highway in Forest Preserve, Condemnation by Counties, and Annexation of Territory by Cities. Perhaps best of all, though, is Roosevelt's ironic vote AGAINST the extension of the NY Governor's term, an office he would seek the very next year (if he hadn't been planning his campaign already). Of course, Roosevelt became the most notorious long-term occupier of office when he was elected to a record FOUR terms as President, prompting the passage of the 22nd Amendment in 1951 which limited the term of office to two. Toning to verso, with separation along top fold line.

 

The "General Officers" ballot contains the printed names of candidates for eight specific offices: Associate Judge Court of Appeals, Justice of the Supreme Court, Member of the Assembly, Sheriff, County Clerk, County Treasurer, Superintendent of the Poor, and Coroner. Roosevelt placed a cross mark in pencil next to his candidates - all Democrats, of course! The remainder of the ballot is reserved for Town Offices that do not contain printed names of the particular candidates, leaving the voter to complete the form with the names of the candidates and town name. Beside each of the offices, Roosevelt has written in pencil his town "Hyde Park" along with his chosen candidates. Most notable here is his choice for School Director, "Eleanor Roosevelt", written in graphite. Near fine condition.

 

A fascinating ensemble, giving a rare glimpse of Roosevelt's politics before he became Governor of New York.

 

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

 

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