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1918 influenza pandemic (Spanish Flu) and the 1918 midterm election cycle
The 1918 midterm elections occurred during the 1918 influenza (also known as Spanish Flu) pandemic, one of the most severe in history. As part of our coverage of the coronavirus pandemic, we looked back at stories from the 1918 elections to see how America met the challenges of holding elections during a national health emergency. We also looked at how Congress handled the pandemic, as well as provided a few modern articles about the 1918 Influenza pandemic to add further context.
This page was last updated on November 24, 2020. It no longer receives regular updates, but our email is always open. We encourage you to share updates for this page at editor@ballotpedia.org.
On this page you will find:
- Analysis about how the 1918 pandemic ended
- An overview of the 1918 midterm elections
- Articles from 1918 newspapers
- Modern analysis about the 1918 influenza pandemic and midterm elections
- Articles about how Congress dealt with the 1918 influenza pandemic
- Historical information about other notable pandemics
Analysis about how the pandemic ended
September 3, 2020 - "‘The 1918 flu is still with us’: The deadliest pandemic ever is still causing problems today"
On September 3, 2020, the Washington Post asked historian and medical experts how the 1918 pandemic ended.
| “ |
Over time, those who contracted the virus developed an immunity to the novel strand of influenza, and life returned to normal by the early 1920s, according to historians and medical experts. Reports at the time suggest the virus became less lethal as the pandemic carried on in waves. But the strand of the flu didn’t just disappear. The influenza virus continuously mutated, passing through humans, pigs and other mammals. The pandemic-level virus morphed into just another seasonal flu. Descendants of the 1918 H1N1 virus make up the influenza viruses we’re fighting today. “The 1918 flu is still with us, in that sense,” said Ann Reid, the executive director of the National Center for Science Education who successfully sequenced the genetic makeup of the 1918 influenza virus in the 1990s. “It never went away.”[1] |
” |
Click here to read the original article, courtesy of The Washington Post.
October 7, 2020 - "How Does a Pandemic End? Here's What We Can Learn From the 1918 Flu”
On October 7, 2020, Time discussed the lessons from the 1918 influenza pandemic's end.
| “ |
But, by the middle of 1920, that deadly strain of flu had in fact faded enough that the pandemic was over in many places, even though there was no dramatic or memorable declaration that the end had come. “The end of the pandemic occurred because the virus circulated around the globe, infecting enough people that the world population no longer had enough susceptible people in order for the strain to become a pandemic once again,” says medical historian J. Alexander Navarro, Markel’s colleague and the Assistant Director of the Center for the History of Medicine. “When you get enough people who get immunity, the infection will slowly die out because it’s harder for the virus to find new susceptible hosts.” Eventually, with “fewer susceptible people out and about and mingling,” Navarro says, there was nowhere for the virus to go —the “herd immunity” being talked about today. By the end of the pandemic, a whopping third of the world’s population had caught the virus.[1] |
” |
Click here to read the original article, courtesy of Time.
December 11, 2020 - "Why the 1918 Flu Pandemic Never Really Ended"
On December 11, 2020, History published an article looking at how modern flu viruses descended from the virus that caused the 1918 influenza pandemic.
| “ |
Since the whole world had been exposed to the virus, and had therefore developed natural immunity against it, the 1918 strain began to mutate and evolve in a process called “antigenic drift.” Slightly altered versions of the 1918 flu reemerged in the winters of 1919-1920 and 1920-1921, but they were far less deadly and nearly indistinguishable from the seasonal flu. “The 1918 flu definitely lost its real virulence by the early 1920s,” says [chief of the Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Section at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Jeffrey] Taubenberger. But what’s truly incredible, according to genetic analyses, is that the same novel strain of flu first introduced in 1918 appears to be the direct ancestor of every seasonal and pandemic flu we’ve had over the past century. “You can still find the genetic traces of the 1918 virus in the seasonal flus that circulate today,” says Taubenberger. “Every single human infection with influenza A in the past 102 years is derived from that one introduction of the 1918 flu.” [1] |
” |
Click here to read the original article, courtesy of History.
March 31, 2021 - "The end of the pandemic is coming – just don’t set a date for the party"
On March 31, 2021, Agnes Arnold-Forster, a medical history and healthcare researcher at the University of Bristol, wrote an article in The Conversation that looked at the difficulty of determining when pandemics end.
| “ |
The misleadingly named Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 was the deadliest in history. It infected around 500 million people worldwide and killed anywhere from 20 million to 50 million. Much like today, citizens were subjected to social restrictions and ordered to wear masks. The pandemic abated, but identifying its precise end is almost impossible. In 1920, several newspapers reported the reappearance of influenza. Around 5,000 cases were reported in Chicago in the space of six days, and theatres were ordered to close. Later that year, “drastic measures” were implemented to check the spread of flu in New York City after an emergency meeting of the transportation authorities, theatre and cinema owners, and the representatives of department stores. At around the same time, 60 people died from influenza in Paris. Subsequent waves of the virus ripped through European and North American cities for years after the pandemic’s supposed end. As late as 1925, and in the space of nine days, 201 people in Chicago died from what the newspapers called a “highly contagious influenza epidemic”. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that there is little evidence in the historical record of parties to commemorate the end of the terrible virus.[1] |
” |
Click here to read the original article, courtesy of The Conversation.
About the 1918 midterm elections
The November 1918 midterm elections were unlike any other. World War I was raging in Europe. The Influenza pandemic started in the spring of 1918, but a second wave would hit the county in September of that year, and be far deadlier. 195,000 Americans died of influenza in October of 1918 alone.[2] That year, voters elected members of the 66th Congress, 34 out of 50 states elected their governors, and many states elected members for state and local offices.
Prior to the election, Congress and the White House were both Democrat-controlled, under President Woodrow Wilson. After the election, Republicans gained control of both chambers, taking 25 seats in the House and five seats in the Senate. It was the first time since 1908 that Republicans had control of both the House of Representative and the Senate.[3]
Voter turnout for the 1918 elections was low. Voting turnout that year was 40 percent, unlike the midterm elections that took place in 1910 (52 percent) and 1914 (50 percent). The Influenza pandemic and WWI were partly to blame.[3]
1918 would prove to be a turning point for women’s suffrage. Oklahoma, Michigan, South Dakota, and Louisiana all had ballot initiatives to extend the right to vote to women. In all but Louisiana, the measures passed.[3] For more information about other 1918 ballot initiatives, click here.
Campaigning during a pandemic came with its challenges. Politicians found that typical campaign methods were not possible with bans prohibiting large gatherings in place. Rallies and speech campaigns were put on hold, and candidates utilized less direct forms of communications, such as direct mail and press coverage in local papers.[2]
Voters were also affected by the Influenza pandemic. In Sacramento, California, some poll sites couldn’t be opened, as there were not enough citizens well enough to go to the polls.[2] The Rocky Mountain News in Denver, Colorado reported on November 3 that officials from the state health board had issued an order setting precautions for both voters and election officials, including requiring election officials to wear gauze masks and voters to refrain from crowding.[4]
1918 newspaper articles
September 29, 1918 - "Vote A Million to Fight ‘Flu"
On Sept. 29, The Milwaukee Journal reported on Congressional efforts to combat the spread of influenza throughout the country.
| “ |
Congress hurriedly appropriated $1,000,000 to the medical branches of the war and navy departments with which to fight Spanish influenza. Urging immediate passage, Representative Gillett informed the house that both Speaker Champ Clark and Democratic House Leader Kitchin have fallen victims to it. When the appropriation was called up in the senate, Senator Penrose, Pennsylvania, minority leader of the senate finance committee, declared that the measure had not been before the committee and asked whether any executive department of the government had requested it. Senator Martin, Virginia, majority leader, said he did not know, but urged immediate passage as the situation, he said, is rapidly becoming more serious in the New England States and in camps and cantonments.[1] |
” |
September 30, 1918 - "Close N.J. Schools to Check Influenza"
On Sept. 30, the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin reported on the debate in New Jersey over closing schools in the midst of the influenza pandemic.
| “ | The schools of Moorestown, Collingswood, and several other New Jersey towns have been closed owing to the growth and seriousness of the Spanish influenza epidemic throughout the section about Camden.
Many school children have contracted the disease, and it is feared it will be spread to nearly every family in the locality if the children are allowed to continue congregating in the school rooms daily.[1] |
” |
October 7, 1918 - “Flu Snag For Politicians”
On Oct.7, 1918 The Courier-Journal, Louisville reported about the impact the flu epidemic could have on the campaign season ahead of the election in November.
| “ | Campaign managers at both Democratic and Republican State headquarters were wrestling yesterday with the most unusual situation that has ever been met with in a political campaign in this State as a result of the influenza epidemic which, it was said, may make it necessary to cancel every peaking date during the entire time between now and the November election.[1] | ” |
October 10, 1918: "Influenza Mars Suffrage Plans"
On October 10, 1918, the Indianapolis Star published an article titled, “Influenza Mars Suffrage Plans.” The article discussed how the pandemic affected the women's suffrage movement.
| “ | ‘Everything conspires against woman suffrage,’ one local suffragist said Wednesday. ‘Now it is the influenza which is trying to prevent a spread of suffrage doctrine, but obedient to the demands of the health authorities the suffragists will refrain from public gatherings.’
Miss Florence Huberwald was scheduled to open the suffrage speaking campaign in New Orleans with a mass meeting in Lafayette Square Saturday night. Dr. Oscar Dewling, president of the State Board of Health has said the people may go into parks, because plenty of fresh air can be found there, but on stricter analysis, Lafayette Square might not be described as a ‘fresh air park.’ The suffragists, however, have decided the question for themselves and Miss Huberwald announced Wednesday that the meeting for Saturday night had been cancelled.[1] |
” |
October 16, 1918 - “Politics faces real shutdown by influenza”
An Oct.16, 1918 Chicago Tribune article discussed the possible effects the influenza pandemic could have on the upcoming elections season.
| “ | Threatened with a complete cessation of political activity from two angles, Republican and Democratic managers-state and local-are prepared to decide definitely upon ways and means of conduction the Illinois senatorial, congressional, and local campaigns. Pending official action by the state and city health authorities, all plans for opening the extensive speaking campaigns which had been arranged for state candidates were held in abeyance, and campaigns will not be started next Monday morning unless full and free permission is granted by competent authority.[1] |
” |
October 17, 1918: "Fall Campaign Still Hindered"
On Oct. 17, 1918, the Indianapolis Star reported how the pandemic affected political campaigning in the state.
| “ | The outlook last night was that the epidemic of influenza will further demoralize the plans of the Republican and Democratic state committees for speaking campaigns. Secretary Hurty of the state board of health stated yesterday afternoon that it is probable the prohibition of all public gatherings may be extended for a week from next Monday, which is the date set by the Republicans and Democrats for opening the campaign. Secretary Hurty will determine Friday what course shall be taken.[1] | ” |
October 18, 1918 - “Pastors Protest Church Closing”
On Oct. 18, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on a resolution passed by Episcopal Clergymen aimed at a Health Board ruling that closed churches but left stores open.
| “ |
Declaring that there never was a time when prayer and supplication was more necessary, twenty-three clergymen of the Protestant Episcoal Church yesterday passed a resolution protesting against the closing churches of the epidemic influenza. The resolutions were prepared and presented at a meeting called at the church house, Twelfth and Walnut streets, by Rev. Floyd W. Tomkins, rector of the Holy Trinity Church. Rev. Samuel Upjohn, of St. Luke’s Church, presided. It was pointed out that the protest was not made with any intention of defying the rules of the Board of Health, but to assure the people that the services were suspended by the various rectors unwillingly and that in the opinion of those signing the resolution the ruling was wrong. The resolution declares it is inconsistent to close the churches and yet allow people to crowd in cars and stores on the plea that “businesses must go on.” It further states, “It is more important to pray to God than to carry on business and that it is the opinion of the Protestants that god will care for his people when they meet to plead with Him.” [1] |
” |
October 18, 1918 - “State Board Here To Discuss Quarantine”
On Oct. 18, 1918, the Louisville Times reported on the possibility of Kentucky’s State Board of Health lifting the ban on theaters, schools and public gatherings. The article also mentioned the possible effect keeping the bans would have on the upcoming campaign season.
| “ | For the purpose of discussing the influenza epidemic and the question of lifting the ban on theaters, schools and public gatherings the State Board of Health will meet at The Seelbach this afternoon at 2 o’clock...Unless the ban is lifted at the meeting this afternoon, it will be necessary for the campaign committees of both the Democratic and Republican parties to call off all public speaking schedules throughout the State for the next two weeks.[1] | ” |
October 18, 1918 - “Sole Concern, Says Edge, Loan and Influenza”
On Oct. 18, 1918, the Newark Evening News reported on New Jersey Gov. Walter Evans Edge’s campaign plans for the upcoming 1918 midterm election.
| “ | Announcement by the Democratic State Committee of plans to bring to New Jersey some of the ‘Big Guns’ of the party, such as Secretary Baker, Carter Glass, J. Ham Lewis and possibly even President Wilson, prompted Governor Edge to say when asked of his own plans that the only campaigns he is now interested in are those to put over the Fourth Liberty Loan and to suppress the epidemic of influenza. When these things have been accomplished the Governor said he would have the time to devote to the less important political campaign in which he is one of the chief figures in New Jersey.[1] | ” |
October 18, 1918 - “Social Gatherings Forbidden For Present”
On Oct. 18, 1918, the Deseret Evening News reported on the ban on social gatherings put in place due to the influenza epidemic and mentioned how the ban might affect the upcoming midterm elections.
| “ | Fearing that the influenza closing order might interfere with the election Nov. 5, County Clerk Thomas Homer has written to Dr, T.B. Beatty, state health commissioner, suggesting the use of tents for polling places. The clerk calls attention to the fact that ventilation is often poor in the polling places and that the assembling of crowds in such quarters might be serious. Other voters might be kept away from the polls by fear of contracting the disease, he points out.[1] | ” |
October 20, 1918 - "Political Drives Will Open Today Despite Epidemic"
On Oct. 20, the Albany Knickerbocker Press reported on the effect the influenza pandemic was having on politics in New York.
| “ | The most peculiar and perhaps the most incisive political campaign New York state has ever seen will begin throughout the state today. Hampered by bans on public meetings, forced by the spreading influenza, by an apparent lack of interest in politics, because of the greater interest in the doings of American troops in France, political leaders today will start campaigns upon which hinge the control of the state administration, of the legislature and the political complexion of New York’s delegation in congress, as well as scores of local contests for office.[1] | ” |
October 20, 1918 - “Illinois starts unusual state fight tomorrow”
On Oct. 20, 1918, the Chicago Tribune discussed the impact that the influenza epidemic had on campaigning for the general election.
| “ | Illinois starts tomorrow morning upon what politicians understand to be the most extraordinary state campaign in Illinois records. Twelve days of active work remain for the Republican and Democratic state committees to make their fight for the United States senatorship, the state offices, and for congress and the Illinois legislature. The Cook county political organizations face a remarkable task in their efforts to elect their respective county tickets. Held off until last midnight by the Liberty loan drive and prohibited by the influenza epidemic from making any speaking campaign whatever, the Chicago and Illinois committees are held strictly to publicity and personal organizations work to do the job that usually has been performed by flying squadrons of orators and a prolonged canvas made through the usual political channels.[1] |
” |
October 20, 1918 - “Influenza Damper Stifles Politics”
On Oct. 20, 1918, the Seattle Daily Times reported that candidates needed to reach individual people because in-person meetings were prohibited.
| “ | The campaign that Chairman Sam Walker of the Republican state committee’s planning does not call for any public meetings. With the ban on such gatherings still on, Chairman Walker believes that there is little prospect it will be lifted before election day, November 5, a little more than two weeks distant. So Walker will work out a new scheme to reach the voters.[1] | ” |
October 22, 1918 - “Couzens Calls Off Meetings”
On Oct. 22, 1918, the Detroit News reported that mayoral candidate James Couzens called off speaking engagements for his campaign due to the influenza pandemic.
| “ | James Couzens has canceled all political meetings at which he was scheduled to talk in the interests of his campaign for mayor. ‘I regard it as highly inconsistent with the campaign against influenza to hold public meetings, even in the open air, when the municipal authorities have closed all other forms of gatherings,” said Mr. Couzens. ‘I have canceled all my meetings.’ As a means of presenting the issues and his interpretation of them, Mr. Couzens plans to issue statements to the people through the press from time to time.[1] |
” |
October 23, 1918 - “Politics Seem Doomed By Flu”
On Oct. 23, 1918, the Indianapolis Star discussed how influenza seemed to doom the political campaign ahead of the 1918 midterm elections due to a ban on public gatherings. A number of speeches were canceled.
{[quote|On the heels of information from the Republican national organization yesterday that a number of prominent speakers have been assigned to Indiana for the closing week of the campaign came the doleful word from the state health authorities that more than likely the order prohibiting all public meetings until midnight, October 20 will be extended for at least another week.
An extension of one week would make it impossible for politicians to run up the curtain for the brief but spectacular closing speeches they have been planning. They have been setting the rival stages with feverish haste hoping all the while that the ‘flu’ epidemic would subside so that they could go before the voters with the arguments they have prepared.}}
October 25, 1918 - “Flu Halts Meetings Of Dry Campaigners”
On Oct. 25, 1918, The St. Paul Daily News discussed how the influenza pandemic had caused the cancellation of Prohibition meetings in the state of Minnesota.
| “ | The Prohibition meeting scheduled for the Auditorium tonight with former Gov. J.F. Hanly, Indiana, as the principal speaker, has been canceled on account of the influenza epidemic. All dry meetings throughout Minnesota also have been called off. Mr. Hanly was to speak at a number of these. Another Auditorium meeting canceled was scheduled for Sunday with C.N. Howard, New York, as speaker.[1] |
” |
October 30, 1918 - “Schools In State To Reopen Monday”
On Oct. 30, The Birmingham News reported that Alabama schools would be reopening soon, after having been closed for a number of weeks in response to the influenza pandemic.
| “ | “Practically all schools of the State will reopen Monday after having been closed for several weeks on account of the influenza epidemic, according to State Superintendent of Education Spright Dowell, who passed through Birmingham Wednesday en route to Colbert County. Mr. Dowel said that the influenza had caused closing of all schools in the State except in four or five counties. However, no time would be lost as the teachers have been doing their State reading circle work. He gave several different ways in which the time would be made up by the pupils. One of the most practical, he suggested, would be to teach one hour later in the afternoons, do some work on Saturday and cut the holiday time down usually taken for Christmas. One county, he said, instead of taking 10 days for Christmas holidays as is the custom, would only take two days this year.”[1] |
” |
October 31, 1918 - “Election Board Members Quit Over Flu Scare”
On Oct. 31, 1918, the Oakland Tribune, reported that 25 percent of the board of supervisors resigned because of fear of influenza.
| “ | If the attitude of the appointed members of the election board is criterion there will be a small attendance at the general election November 5. It was reported at today’s session of the board of supervisors that fully 25 percent of the members of the boards had phoned or written their resignations. Additional persons are being appointed and the vacancies will be filled, under the provisions of the election law, by those members of different boards present at the booths on election morning swearing in sufficient numbers from the bystanders. The resignations are caused by the fear of the influenza epidemic.[1] |
” |
October 31, 1918 - “Will Keep On Jump Until Polls Close”
On Oct. 31, 1918, the Milwaukee Sentinel discussed how the influenza pandemic hadn’t really affected the campaign for county offices.
| “ | Although old-time methods are not being used in the present campaign for county offices, and the usual meetings in halls have been eliminated because of the influenza epidemic, candidates have not been idle. Nor did the republican and democratic county committee permit any grass to grow under their feet…[1] | ” |
| “ | Republican candidates feel confident of victory. Probably the hottest fight is that for the office of sheriff. Eugene Warnimont, republican, formally connected with the sheriff's office is working hard and has been for several months. Opposed to him is Conrad Asmuth, who was an 'added starter' on the democratic ticket.[1] | ” |
November 1, 1918 - “Draft And 'Flu' Hit Election Systems”
On Nov. 1, 1918, the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin discussed how the draft for World War I and the influenza pandemic would affect election systems ahead of the midterm elections.
| “ | The draft and influenza epidemic have combined to turn the election system of the city topsy-turvy.
Next Tuesday, to a degree unprecedented, the 1,349 polling places will be manned by judges, inspectors and clerks unfamiliar with election details. Within the last week more than 300 changes of judges of election have been made by Common Pleas Court No. 4, designated by the Board of Judges as this year’s Election Court.[1] |
” |
November 1, 1918: "Good Vote In County Seen Despite Flu"
On Nov. 1, 1918, the Oakland Tribune discussed the possible impact on the upcoming election. The article included a message from Dr. George Ebright, president of the California State Board of Health.
| “ | The announcement that the influenza epidemic is on the wane is good news to citizens generally, and particularly to candidates for county office-who feared that if conditions did not improve the [election] Tuesday would be the lightest ever cast in a State and county election. According to physicians, there is no danger in going to the polls as long as the voters are masked, which is now compulsory under ordinances of Eastbay cities.[1] | ” |
November 2, 1918: "Voting Safe If You Wear Your Mask"
On Nov. 2, 1918, the Oakland Tribune published an article titled "Voting Safe If You Wear Your Mask." It included a message from Dr. George Ebright, president of the California State Board of Health.
| “ |
Voters are receiving assurances from the state and local health authorities that there is no danger of contracting the influenza by going to the polls on Tuesday. There is not the slightest danger in voting if you wear your mask. If you are staying at home, you are not being benefited by the fresh air and sunshine that you will enjoy, performing your patriotic duty as an American citizen.[1] |
” |
November 2, 1918 - “General Election Occurs On Tuesday”
On Nov. 2, 1918, the Deseret Evening News discussed how the election might turn out after an unusual campaign season, due to the influenza pandemic. It also discussed a new method for casting a ballot.
| “ | After the most unusual campaign in the history of Utah politics—owing chiefly to the influenza quarantine—the general election will take place next Tuesday, Nov. 5. Three justices of the state supreme court, two congressmen, a judge of the district court, state senators, state representatives and a full county ticket will be chosen. The Australian ballot system will be used. A list of nominations has been prepared by county clerks throughout the state, and voters have been asked to make themselves familiar with the names of the candidates so that voting may be expedited. To vote a straight ticket, a cross should be placed in the circle at the top of the column on the ballot which will be provided. This circle is placed under the official party emblem. Three parties are represented, the Democratic, Republican and Socialist.[1] |
” |
November 2, 1918 - “Precautions Will Be Taken To Protect Voters From ‘Flu’”
On Nov. 2, 1918, the Deseret Evening News discussed how voters would be protected at the polls from the influenza epidemic.
| “ | Precautions will be taken at the general election Tuesday to prevent any danger from the Spanish Influenza, it was learned today. In some instances where sufficient fresh air is not circulating through the houses where balloting is to take place, tents will be erected in the yard, and in some isolated cases church chapels may be used. Thomas Homer, county clerk, announced this morning that he would complete an investigation of the various districts by tonight, and that any changes in polling places would be announced tomorrow or Monday.[1] |
” |
November 3, 1918 - “Precautions At Polls Ordered To Prevent Spread Of Plague
On Nov. 3, 1918, the Rocky Mountain News discussed the precautions polling places implemented ahead of the general election.
| “ | To prevent the spread of the influenza epidemic at the polling places Tuesday, the state board of health yesterday issued an order setting forth precautions to be observed by voters and election officials. The order urges upon the electors of the state to exercise every precaution to prevent a further spreading of the epidemic on election day; on the part of the election judges, clerks and other officials in the polling places, by wearing the standard Red Cross gauze mask; on the part of voters by refraining from crowding into the election rooms and from assembling in groups for political discussions.[1] | ” |
November 3, 1918 - “Flu Ban Curbs Spellbinders”
On Nov. 3, 1918, The Milwaukee Journal discussed the effect the 1918 influenza pandemic had on the oratory campaign for Milwaukee county’s upcoming midterm elections.
| “ | Milwaukee county’s first silent campaign is about ended-and notwithstanding the novelty of it, the managers say they hope it will never be repeated. A few personal appeals have gone through the mails and the billboard features have gone on as usual, but the crowded hall, the speech, the applause, and the cigar smoke, have all been missing.[1] |
” |
November 3, 1918 - “Courier’s Famous Board Will Flash Election Results”
On November 3, 1918, the Buffalo Courier published an article titled, “Courier’s Famous Board Will Flash Election Results.” The article discussed how the Courier would post election results on the bulletin board outside of the newspaper’s three-story building.
| “ | All is set for The Courier’s election bulletin board which will cover the entire three-story front of its office building. For many years The Courier has given to the public the earliest, most complete and most reliable election returns in the city, county, state and nation. This year special arrangements have been made for the display of returns within a few minutes of the polls. Speed records will be broken in collecting the statistics which will be rushed from the 246 election districts of the city to the city hall for computation. So complete are the arrangements that within a few minutes after the 6 p.m. when the polls-an hour later than usual-results will be flashed on the bulletin board in characters so conspicuous that he that runs may read. Professional runners with motorcycles, bicycles, automobiles have been impressed into service for election night, and a corps of training experts will compile the figures with accuracy and rapidity. This year newly enfranchised women will cast their ballots for the first time in New York state, and the election throng will doubtless be swelled by the fairer sex in larger numbers than ever before.[1] |
” |
[https://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/idx/f/flu/2920flu.0001.292/1/--remove-all-flu-cases-to-central-high-hospital?page=root;rgn=subject;size=100;view=image;q1=election Click here to read the original article, courtesy of the University of Michigan Center for the History of Medicine and Michigan Publishing's Influenza Encyclopedia.
November 3, 1918 - “Campaign Closes With Little Noise”
On Nov. 3, 1918, the Des Moines Register discussed how there seemed to be little interest in political campaigns ahead of the midterm elections.
| “ | One of the most unusual political campaigns known at least to the present generation will terminate with the general election of Tuesday next. Until within ten days of the end political interest seems to the at the lowest possible ebb. Voters joked with each other on the street corner over the inability to name candidates for some of the most important offices. ‘Politics had adjourned’. It was a smoldering fire, however. The sparks had not all been extinguished.[1] |
” |
November 4, 1918- "Goes To Jail To Test 'Flu' Closing"
On Nov. 4, the Los Angeles Evening Herald reported on the arrest of a member of the Ninth Church of Christ, Scientist, who challenged a public health order closing churches.
| “ | H.P. Hitchcock, a director of the Ninth Church of Christ, Scientist, was today remanded to the city jail on a charge of having violated the city health ordinance yesterday when the Christian Scientists held a meeting to test the validity of the influenza epidemic rules closing all churches and places of public assembly.
Judge Hugh Crawford made the order placing Mr. Hitchcock in the custody of the jailer after Mr. Hitchcock had refused to put up $6 bail in order to make a test case of the city health ordinance. [1] |
” |
November 4, 1918 - “Stephens, Bell, Both Confident; Influenza May Hold Down Vote”
On Nov. 4, 1918, the Los Angeles Evening Herald discussed the possible effect the influenza pandemic would have on voter turnout in Southern California in the race for governor.
| “ | Ready for battle at the polls tomorrow, scores of candidates for office at the general state and county election today were making their final appeals to voters. What effect the influenza will have on the result, was a big subject for discussion. It is admitted in many quarters that the vote will be light. Theodore A. Ball, independent for governor, and William D. Stephens, Republican, incumbent, each expressed confidence. Stephens headquarters claimed their man would be elected by 100,000 majority. Bell headquarters said a big vote in the north and a comparatively light vote in the south would ensure Bell’s victory. What wagers were made apparently favored Stephens.[1] |
” |
November 4, 1918 - "Heavy Vote Looked For; Flu No Bar"
On Nov. 4, 1918, the Oakland Enquirer reported that health officials assured voters in Oakland, California that voting would be safe, so long masks were worn.
| “ | The fear that danger lurks in visiting the polls and exercising the right of franchise has been dissipated. [H]ealth authorities have assured the public that as long as masks are worn, and this precaution being compulsory, is certain to be observed, there is perfect safety in going to the various polling booths and carrying on the election tomorrow.[1] | ” |
November 4, 1918 - “Slow Improvement In Health Status, Declares Dr. Peters”
On November 4, 1918, the Cincinnati Commercial Tribune interviewed Dr. W.H. Peters, Cincinnati's health officer, about the upcoming 1918 midterm election. Peters was asked when bans might be lifted as influenza cases in the city were beginning to wane.
| “ | The influenza situation is slowly showing improvement, but health officials will not venture a prediction as to the probable time the ban will be lifted...Dr. W.H. Peters, Health Officer, said Sunday that the situation was encouraging. Asked as to when the ban would be lifted, he said: ‘That is a question I can not answer at this time. The situation is hopeful and the disease seems to be on the wane, but it could not justify the lifting of the ban at this time. Election night, when there is a danger of crowds collecting, might result in an increase in the number of new cases again, as happened directly after the demonstration several weeks ago over the German peace news. The condition at the General Hospital, where the discharges outnumbered the admissions of new cases, would indicate a very hopeful condition.’[1] |
” |
November 4, 1918 - “Influenza Eliminates Election Service; Calls on Telephone Are Taboo”
On Nov. 4, 1918, The Long Beach Press discussed how “The Press” would not announce election returns due to restrictions placed during the influenza pandemic, a first in the paper’s history.
| “ | The Press will not announce election results in any form tomorrow evening. Bulletins will not be posted and advices will not be disseminated by telephone. The Press office will be ‘dark’ tomorrow night, closed because of restrictions imposed on account of the influenza epidemic. For the first time in its history, The Press must forego this election service, which has always been appreciated by the public. No apologies are in order, in view of the conditions stated; but naturally it is regretted that the usual service can not be rendered this year.[1] |
” |
Click here to read the original article, courtesy of Newspapers.com
November 5, 1918 - “Masked Men To Front Voters”
On Nov. 5, 1918, the Los Angeles Times discussed the fact that all election officers were required to wear masks by the direction of the health department.
| “ | Thousands of people who go to the polls today to cast their votes will be confronted by masked men for the first time in their lives. The Advisory Committee of the health department yesterday instructed Registrar of Voters Lyons to order all election officers to wear masks while on duty today. This edict was not issued to frighten people away from the polls, it is said, but rather to throw around voters an additional protection against the disease.[1] | ” |
November 5, 1918 - "Health Warning is Given to Voters"
On Nov. 5, The Spokesman-Review reported on measures taken to reduce the spread of influenza at polling stations.
| “ |
Inspectors at the polling places in today’s election have been asked by the city health office to guard carefully against overcrowding. “Where possible place the polling booths on the outside,” said Dr. Anderson. “Where the booths are on the inside. No more should be admitted to the room than there are booths. In this way congestion may be avoided and the danger minimized. I would further suggest to ventilate the room at least once every hour. Voters should go to the polls early to avoid overcrowding later. No crowds to receive election return will be permitted either in the open air or indoors. [1] |
” |
November 5, 1918 - “Theft of Books May Illegalize Votes”
On Nov. 5, 1918, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported how voting had to be stopped in the ninth and tenth precincts of the Nineteenth Ward due to the theft of the poll books.
| “ | Legality of the votes being cast today in the ninth and tenth precincts of the Nineteenth Ward was questioned by Election Commissioner Lammert, Democrat, after balloting had been stopped for nearly an hour in the forenoon because of the theft of the poll books late yesterday afternoon. In the ninth precinct, all the books had been stolen and balloting had begun with a duplicate book, known as the verification list, furnished by the Board of Election Commissioners. This list, unlike the poll books, did not contain the signatures of registered voters and there was no way for judges and clerks to tell whether a man offering a ballot was voting his own name or another’s. In the tenth precinct, the one poll book which had not been stolen was used. This contained the voters’ signatures and afforded a fair check against illegal voting.[1] |
” |
Click here to read the original article, courtesy of Newspapers.com.
November 6, 1918 - “Influenza Affects Vote”
On Nov. 6, 1918, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported that the influenza pandemic kept many people away from the polls.
| “ | Influenza is impartial anyway. It hit the Seventh ward, in St. Paul, and the Nonpartisan League districts of Otter Tail county with equal force, butting the vote in both places. On the Mesabi Iron range, the judges of election were compelled to wear masks for safety’s sake, and reports declare that the influenza reduced the size of the vote materially.[1] | ” |
November 6, 1918 - “Less Than 1,000 Votes Cast Here”
On Nov. 6, 1918, The Charleston Evening Post discussed the results of the general election, despite low voter turnout in Charleston county.
| “ | The Democratic candidates selected in the primaries during the summer were elected yesterday and the state constitutional amendment providing payment by property owners [f]or street improvements in Charleston was accepted by local voters by a large majority of the votes cast. There was no opposition to the Democratic candidates. Less than 1,000 votes were cast in Charleston county and most of these were in the city. Returns were received at the Hibernian Hall. With only five boxes from Wadmalay, Edisto, Meggette, Adams Run and McClellanville missing, the city and rural vote was: State and county, 864; federal, 890. But three votes were cast at Sullivans Island.[1] | ” |
November 6, 1918 - “Even Influenza Avails Not To Dampen Ardor of Voters”
On Nov. 6, 1918, the San Francisco Chronicle discussed the fact that while masks were required to vote, it didn’t deter voters from heading to the polls.
| “ | San Francisco yesterday staged the first masked ballot ever known in the history of America. Everyone who voted had to wear a mask and to that extent was handicapped in the discharge of his electoral responsibilities. Despite that fact, however, or mayhap because of it, the election was described by the officers of the scores of booths visited as the quietest within memory.[1] |
” |
One of those voters was Mrs. Nancy Elworthy.
| “ | Probably the oldest and most lighthearted voter of the day was Mrs. Nancy Elworthy of 1480 Larkin street, who came down unaided from her home to the booth in the middle of the block between California and Pine streets. Mrs. Elworthy is 92, she belongs to one of the “F.F.V’s” and her husband was a field officer in the Confederate army. ‘I thought I would be blind before this election’, she cheerily explained to the officials in the booth, ‘but I can still see a little and I think it is the duty of every citizen to vote at every election as long as he or she can take an intelligent interest in public affairs.’[1] |
” |
November 6, 1918 - “Flu Prevents Night Parties”
On Nov. 6, 1918, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported how quiet election night was due to the influenza pandemic of 1918.
| “ | Darkest night, pierced only by lame street lights and far-scattered horns. A quiet stream of pedestrians and automobiles, moving east and west or stopping on side streets to wait for news. Such was election night. Someone dared recall the nights of torchlight parades, when red flares and drums aided shouts and blows in expressing partisan fervor. Though torchlights fell from favor, horns were still ‘aces high’ when election night last came around. Memories of hilarious hands of young men, older men and old men--even girls and women joining them--parading the streets with banners and blatant horns, prompted a search for such troops last night.[1] |
” |
November 6, 1918 - "Health Before Politics"
On Nov. 6, 1918, the Cincinnati Commercial Tribune reported that Covington, Ohio’s Health Department issued an order that prohibited crowds from gathering to hear election results.
| “ | Covington’s Health Department issued an order Tuesday prohibiting the congregation of crowds in the County Clerk’s office Tuesday night to hear the election returns. It is usual for several hundred eager voters to crowd the office on election nights.[1] | ” |
November 7, 1918 - “Counting of Ballots Tedious Operation”
On November 7, 1918, The Pioneer in Minnesota reported how Bemidji, Minnesota’s precinct counting was a slow process because of the number of candidates and ballots.
| “ | Bemidji’s precinct count dragged throughout election night and far into the next day. Some of the [precincts] started the count on the state ticket and some on the county. The polls closed at 9 o’clock and the lunch hour also occupied its space of time. It was a slow process on account of the number of candidates and state and county ballots. The county precincts commenced to report during the morning following the election and over half the county was in by the evening, with more following today, a hard task being well done...The most distressing incident of the county election was that Editor ‘Bill’ Noonan of the Baudette Region was confined to his room with the Spanish ‘flu.’ Election time and election day is Editor Noonan’s greatest pastime.[1] |
” |
here to read the original article, courtesy of Newspapers.com.
November 7, 1918 - “Mask Violators Argue; Are Fined”
On Nov. 7, 1918, the Oakland Tribune discussed how masks were required to vote, and those who chose not to wear one would be fined $10 (the equivalent of $169.79 in 2020).
| “ | Heated discussion of election returns is not in violation of law, provided the participant keeps his flu mask properly adjusted; but should he overlook that important matter trouble awaits him. That is the verdict of ten or twelve men fined $10 each after being arrested in the county clerk’s office. Many alibis were offered by the offenders, who maintained that they were seriously handicapped by their masks in arguments over election returns with more fluent talkers. The arm of the law refused to accept any excuses, contending that epidemics could not be checked through the wearing of masks for bibs.[1] | ” |
November 10, 1918: "Influenza Mars Suffrage Plans"
On Nov. 10, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported on the cancellation of a gathering of suffragettes in Lafayette Square whose purpose was to collect signatures for a petition aimed at amending the state constitution to allow women the right to vote.
| “ |
“Everything conspires against women’s suffrage,” one local suffragist said Wednesday. “Now it is the influenza which is trying to prevent a spread of the suffrage doctrine, but obedient to the demands of the health authorities the suffragists will refrain from public gatherings.” Miss Florence Huberwald was scheduled to open the suffrage speaking campaign in New Orleans with a mass meeting in Lafayette Square Saturday night. Dr. Oscar Dowling, president of the State Board of Health, has said the people may go into the parks, because plenty of fresh air may be found there, but on strict analysis, Lafayette Square might not be described as a “fresh air park.” The suffragists, however, have decided the question for themselves and Miss Huberwald announced Wednesday the meeting for Saturday night had been cancelled.[1] |
” |
November 13, 1918: "College Students are Afflicted with ‘Flu’”
On Nov. 13, The Deseret Evening News reported on an influenza outbreak at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah.
| “ |
Twenty cases of Spanish influenza were reported to exist at the Westminster college this morning by Dr. H.W. Reherd, president of that institution. However, the college is under a strict quarantine and the situation is said to be well under control. According to Dr. Reherd, the disease made its appearance the latter part of last week but absolute obeyance of orders has halted the epidemic and it is now reported on the downward path. When the influenza attacked the city and state over a month ago, the Westminster college had enrolled about 60 students some of whom came from a distance of hundreds of miles. Therefore, realizing the inadvisability of sending them home, Dr. Reherd communicated with Dr. T.B. Beatty, state health officer. “We decided,” said Dr. Reherd, “that in view of the isolated location of the college, classes could be continued among the dormitory students without interference from the ‘flu’. The resident students of Salt Lake were sent home and kept in touch with the advance of the dormitory scholars by telephone.”[1] |
” |
November 18, 1918: "Was the 'Flu' to Blame?"
On Nov. 18, 1918, the Oakland Tribune questioned the closure of a voting precinct in a state Senate race that was decided by three votes.[5]
| “ |
How important results sometimes hinge on inconsiderable and unexpected incidents is illustrated in the fight in the second senatorial district. Because of the prevalence of the influenza, the polls of Ingot precinct in Shasta county remained closed on election day. In that precinct, 95 voters are registered "It is believed that the State Senate will be so constituted by this result that ratification of the national prohibition measure may be defeated. Eifendahl might have been elected if the polls of Ingot precinct had been open. It is also possible that a refusal by California to endorse this national amendment may be the turning of a tide against it.[1] |
” |
December 6, 1918, "Masking Order is To Be Rigidly Enforced"
On Dec. 6, 1918, The Deseret Evening News reported on mask politics in Utah’s Salt Lake County.
| “ | Vigorous enforcement of the health order requiring the wearing of influenza masks in Salt Lake county outside the limits of incorporated cities, is already under way, says Dr. T.J. Howlls, county physician.
Dr. Howells expressed impatience this morning that the wearing of masks had not been made compulsory in Salt Lake City. “Much of our country influenza is traceable to Salt Lake City,” said Dr. Howells. “We regard Salt Lake as the menacing source of spread of the disease for the county. Dr. Howells said that he is not urging the use of the masks as preferable to vaccination but is urging both. The mask, he points outs, is more quickly adopted universally. It can be adopted by an entire population overnight, while to vaccinate all requires much time at best.[1] |
” |
December 19, 2020: "Theater Owners May Carry Fight On Ban To Court"
On Sept. 29, Spokane Daily Chronicle reported on theater managers’ campaign to convince health officials to remove a ban on theaters.
| “ |
Spokane theater managers may resort to the courts in an effort to force the health department to raise the influenza ban. If petitions now being circulated for a reopening are turned by the city health officer, it is said the matter is to be taken to the state board of health and, if no favorable action is obtained there, legal action may be started.[1] |
” |
Modern analysis about the 1918 influenza pandemic and midterm elections
March 14, 2020 - “In 1918, the Spanish flu infected the White House. Even President Wilson got sick.”
On Mar. 14, 2020, The Washington Post discussed the impact the 1918 influenza had on the White House.
| “ | In the fall of 1918, as President Woodrow Wilson scrambled to end World War I, the Spanish flu slithered its way through D.C., unsettling daily life in the same ways covid-19 is upending America today...Churches were closed. Public dance halls were shuttered. No corner of the nation’s capital was spared — not even the White House. Wilson’s personal secretary was among the first in his administration to be sickened by a pandemic that would ultimately infect 500 million people. Margaret, his eldest daughter, got it. Secret Service members did, too. Even the White House sheep were not spared...Also not spared: the President of the United States.[1] |
” |
Click here to read the full article, courtesy of The Washington Post.
March 18, 2020 - “We Held an Election During the 1918 Flu Epidemic. We Can Hold an Election Now”
On March 18, 2020, Slate published an article about how the county managed to maintain voters' constitutional commitment during the 1918 influenza pandemic.
“We have held federal elections before even in the face of pandemics. In 1918, a midterm election year, Americans went to the polls to exercise their fundamental right to vote, even as the Spanish flu resulted in the death of millions worldwide. Governments devised ways of protecting the public, while maintaining our fundamental constitutional commitment to democratic self-rule. In some places, voters had to disperse and wait at the polls single file; in others, voters and poll workers had to wear masks. Campaigning and election year rallies were undoubtedly affected, but, as one study concluded, “in most places the election was held with relatively few complications.” The 1918 election, all but forgotten until recent events, shows how we have kept our commitment to our fundamental democratic principles even when battling life-threatening crises.”
March 21, 2020 - “The Lessons of the Elections of 1918”
On Mar. 21, 2020, The New York Times discussed how, despite the Influenza epidemic, the nation managed to vote and keep democracy intact.
| “ | Across the country, citizens were ordered to hunker in their homes to avoid catching a deadly virus even as some people thought it was nothing worse than a seasonal cold. In the midst of fear and sickness, politicians had to decide how to hold scheduled elections, and the global pandemic was subject to political spin. The year was 1918 when a deadly flu outbreak gripped the nation, infecting about a third of the world’s population and killing 675,000 people in the United States alone.[1] |
” |
Click here to read the full article, courtesy of The New York Times.
March 23, 2020 - “This Isn’t The First Time America Has Weathered A Crisis In An Election Year”
On Mar. 23, 2020, FiveThirtyEight discussed how events, including the influenza pandemic, had affected U.S. elections in the past.
| “ | ...There’s still a lot we don’t know about the current health crisis we find ourselves in — how long will the urgency of the coronavirus threat last, for example, or how things will look come November — but if we’re looking at elections comparable to our current moment, the most relevant may be the 1918 midterm. That fall, in the waning days of World War I, the Spanish flu — a strain of influenza that got that name because Spain was one of the few countries to report on it freely — ravaged the United States, killing hundreds of thousands of people, many in the lead-up to the November election. In response to this devastating disease, public health officials tried to limit its spread, but those mitigation policies affected political campaigns. Marian Moser Jones, a professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Health who studies the influenza pandemic, pointed to bans on public gatherings, which we’re seeing now too. ‘[Y]ou couldn’t have the usual election speeches, which were then even more important because you didn’t have television or radio,’ Jones said. ‘[Candidates] had to actually campaign via newspaper editorials and mailings.’[1] |
” |
Click here to read the original article, courtesy of FiveThirtyEight.
April 7, 2020 - “Voting during a pandemic? Here's what happened in 1918”
On Apr. 7, 2020, CBS News discussed what it was like to vote during the Influenza pandemic.
| “ | In early March, while the remaining Democratic presidential contenders were sprinting across the country in search of primary victories, the COVID-19 pandemic was taking its own destructive path through the nation. States with upcoming primaries were forced by the novel virus to reconsider a question from a century ago about how to keep the public safe at the ballot box. The last time a health emergency so imperiled American politics was in 1918 when the Spanish flu killed 675,000 Americans and was dubbed the 'mother of all pandemics.' The flu peaked in October and November that year, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians, just days before the midterm elections on November 5.[1] |
” |
Click here to read the full article, courtesy of CBS News
April 20, 2020 - “A pandemic nearly derailed the women's suffrage movement”
On Apr. 20, 2020, National Geographic discussed the impact the Influenza pandemic had on the women’s suffrage movement.
| “ | ‘These are sad times for the whole world, grown unexpectedly sadder by the sudden and sweeping epidemic of influenza,’ wrote Carrie Chapman Catt, president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, in a letter to supporters in 1918. ‘This new affliction is bringing sorrow into many suffrage homes and is presenting a serious new obstacle in our Referendum campaigns and in the Congressional and Senatorial campaigns,’ she continued. ‘We must therefore be prepared for failure.’ Suffragists had been fighting for women’s right to vote for 70 years, and victory seemed almost in reach. Even with the United States fully mobilized for World War I. President Woodrow Wilson had come out in support of a constitutional amendment, and the House of Representatives had passed it.[1] |
” |
Click here to read the full article, courtesy of National Geographic
June 1, 2020 - “America pulled off an election during the Spanish flu, but not without paying a price”
On June 1, 2020, NBC News published an article about how American managed to pull off the 1918 midterm elections in the middle of a pandemic.
“President Woodrow Wilson and the Democrats were fiercely fighting to maintain control of Congress during the 1918 November midterm elections. With much of the nation hunkered down under quarantine orders with social distancing and mandatory masks, conducting an election was proving to be daunting.
But with World War I still raging on, a heightened sense of patriotism swept the country. Despite the strict orders in place, voting was considered essential at the time.
As officials scramble to safely conduct primary contests amid the coronavirus pandemic, worries mount about how the country can safely conduct a presidential election this November. How officials handled voting during the Spanish flu pandemic offers crucial lessons on balancing public health with democracy.”
Click here to read the original article, courtesy of NBC News
Congressional history
Congressional closure in October 1918
Congress also closed its doors for an extended period of time during the 1918 pandemic. According to the U.S. House website, the closure was triggered when Washington, D.C. was hit by the flu:[6]
| “ | In early October, as the city shuttered most public gathering places, Congress began to feel the effects of the flu as well. On October 6, it was reported that Democratic Leader Claude Kitchin of North Carolina was stricken with the ‘grip,’ and had been confined to his bed for several days. Then Speaker Champ Clark fell ill. Over the course of the next week, both men started to recover even as many of their colleagues fell sick and were bed-ridden.[1] | ” |
On October 7, as the House was about to adjourn for the day out of respect for the death of Rep. J. Fred Talbott, Illinois Congressman Henry T. Rainey made the following request:[6]
| “ | Mr. Speaker, it is a matter of common knowledge that an epidemic of alarming proportions is prevailing throughout the country. Out of an abundant precaution the Senate has ordered the galleries closed, which action, I understand, meets with the approval of the medical authorities, and so I ask unanimous consent that the Speaker be instructed to close the galleries of the House until further action shall be taken by the House.[1] | ” |
His request was granted, and the House followed the Senate in closing its doors until November 4, resulting in nearly a month of being out of session. Conditions in the city were grim during the congressional closure.[6]
| “ | While the flu outbreak did not close the House entirely, it slowed its activities to a crawl. For much of the first half of October the chamber stood in recess punctuated by brief pro forma sessions which few Members attended. Sickness, as well as the need to care for ailing family members, substantially thinned the ranks of the House. Within days the decision was made to close the Capitol ‘to all visitors as an extra precaution.’ In just the preceding 24 hours, 74 Washingtonians had died and health officials treated more than 1,600 new flu cases.[1] | ” |
Click here to read the original article, courtesy of the U.S. House of Representatives Archives.
October 25, 2016 - “Wilson intervenes in midterm election: Oct. 25, 1918”
On Oct. 25, 2016, POLITICO discussed the actions taken by President Wilson 10 days prior to the midterm election in 1918.
| “ |
On this day in 1918, 10 days before the congressional midterm elections, President Woodrow Wilson called for the return of a Democratic Congress as essential to maintaining the nation’s security. Up until then, Wilson was widely viewed as a war leader who — midway through his second term — successfully had held himself above the political fray. Historians regard his maladroit attempt to influence the political outcome on Capitol Hill as a decisive turning point in his presidency. The 1918 campaigns were conducted amid U.S. military participation in World War I. At the same time, the nation was dealing with a deadly, debilitating influenza epidemic. Through the prior 18 months of U.S. involvement, congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle had downplayed their partisan differences. Sen. Henry Cabot Lodge (R-Mass.), the minority leader, privately warned his colleagues to suspend their ‘attacks on Wilson that we all want to make [to avoid] the charge that we are drawing the party line and the cry that we are not loyal to the war.[1] |
” |
Click here to read the original article, courtesy of POLITICO.
House of Representative Closes Public Galleries during 1918 Influenza Pandemic
On Oct. 7, 1918, the House of Representatives closed its public galleries in the midst of the 1918 influenza epidemic. With most House members absent due to illness during an abbreviated session on October 7, Illinois Rep. Henry T. Rainey addressed those present on the need to close the galleries to prevent the spread of the disease.
| “ | Mr. Speaker, it is a matter of common knowledge that an epidemic of alarming proportions is prevailing throughout the country,’ Rainey said. ‘Out of an abundant precaution the Senate has ordered the galleries closed, which action, I understand, meets with the approval of the medical authorities, and so I ask unanimous consent that the Speaker be instructed to close the galleries of this House until further action shall be taken by the House.’[1] | ” |
Historical information about other notable pandemics
May 16, 2020 - “Why American life went on as normal during the killer pandemic of 1969”
On May 16, 2020, the New York Post discussed what happened during the 1969 H3N2 pandemic, also known as the “Hong Kong Flu.” H3N2 claimed the lives of over 1 million people.
| “ | H3N2 (or the ‘Hong Kong flu,’ as it was more popularly known) was an influenza strain that the New York Times described as ‘one of the worst in the nation’s history.’ The first case of H3N2, which evolved from the H2N2 influenza strain that caused the 1957 pandemic, was reported in mid-July 1968 in Hong Kong. By September, it had infected Marines returning to the States from the Vietnam War. By mid-December, the Hong Kong flu had arrived in all 50 states. But schools were not shut down nationwide, other than a few dozen because of too many sick teachers. Face masks weren’t required or even common. Though Woodstock was not held during the peak months of the H3N2 pandemic (the first wave ended by early March 1969, and it didn’t flare up again until November of that year), the festival went ahead when the virus was still active and had no known cure.[1] |
” |
Click here to read the original article, courtesy of The New York Post.
Use of the term Spanish Flu
The term Spanish Flu is widely used to describe the 1918 influenza pandemic. While there is no evidence indicating that the 1918 influenza had origins in Spain, it was given the name Spanish Flu because of issues related to World War I. During the war, nations on both sides of the conflict censored newspapers and other media, and this censorship extended to reporting on cases of the flu as a means to prevent decreased morale. Spain, a neutral country in the conflict, did not censor its press. This resulted in the only in-depth accounts of the flu being available in Spanish, leading to the assumption that the pandemic was worst in Spain.[7]
In May 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued new guidelines on naming infectious diseases that forbid using names that include geographic locations, people's names, and animals, among others. That same WHO release said that "[d]iseases are often given common names by people outside of the scientific community. Once disease names are established in common usage through the Internet and social media, they are difficult to change, even if an inappropriate name is being used."[8]
Ballotpedia primarily uses the term 1918 influenza pandemic to describe the event. However, we will occasionally use the term Spanish Flu to describe the pandemic because it is a common name for the event.
General resources
The chart below shows coronavirus statistics from countries across the world. The information is provided by Real Clear Politics.
Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
- National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
- U.S. Department of Education
- World Health Organization
- Trends in Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in the US Reported to CDC, by State/Territory
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccinations, Our World in Data (Number of vaccines administered)
- Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker, New York Times (Progress of vaccine trials)
See also
- Ballotpedia: Political responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
- State government responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
- Government official, politician, and candidate deaths, diagnoses, and quarantines due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021
- Changes to ballot measure campaigns, procedures, and policies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2022
- Ballotpedia's elections calendar
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29 1.30 1.31 1.32 1.33 1.34 1.35 1.36 1.37 1.38 1.39 1.40 1.41 1.42 1.43 1.44 1.45 1.46 1.47 1.48 1.49 1.50 1.51 1.52 1.53 1.54 1.55 1.56 1.57 1.58 1.59 1.60 1.61 1.62 1.63 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 History Channel, “How the US Pulled Off Midterm Elections Amid the 1918 Flu Pandemic,” April 22, 2020
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Wikipedia, “1918 United States elections,” accessed May 7, 2020
- ↑ Rocky Mountain News, “Precautions At Polls Ordered To Prevent Spread Of Plague,” November 3, 1918
- ↑ Influenza Encyclopedia, "Was The 'Flu' To Blame?" accessed April 3, 2020
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 U.S. House of Representatives, "Sick Days," December 17, 2018
- ↑ History, "Why Was It Called the 'Spanish Flu?'" accessed April 8, 2020
- ↑ World Health Organization, "WHO issues best practices for naming new human infectious diseases," May 8, 2015
