Prior to this election, how many other times in US history has a candidate been elected President despite having lost the popular vote to another candidate?

In 1824 Andrew Jackson led in both electoral and popular votes over John Quincy Adams, William Crawford, and Henry Clay, but did not have an electoral college majority. According to the rules of the day, the President would be chosen from among the top three candidates by the House of Representatives, thus eliminating Clay. Each of the 24 states represented in the House was given one vote to cast, with a majority being required. The winner was Adams with 13 votes. Jackson had 7, and Crawford 4, though Jackson still finished ahead in the popular vote.

In 1876, 3 states were disputed by both political parties (FL, LA, SC). Following a storm of accusations and controversy, all 3 were awarded to Rutherford B. Hayes giving him a 185 to 184 win over Samuel Tilden in electoral votes, despite losing the popular vote by at least 250,000.

In 1888 Grover Cleveland won the popular vote in most southern states by large margins over opponent Benjamin Harrison. Harrison however, won more northern states albeit by narrower margins. Despite winning the popular vote by 100,000, Cleveland lost the election to Harrison in the electoral vote 233 to 168.

Most of us remember 2000, when the Supreme Court had to step in to settle a dispute over the recount in Florida. The courts 5-4 decision was that Florida's recount procedures violated the 14th amendment and the initial vote would stand. George W. Bush won by 271 electoral votes to Al Gore's 266 but lost the popular vote by 540,000.

More Info: iidigital.usembassy.gov

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28 Comments

Joe Cilia

The electoral college is very important otherwise for or five big cities would determine the direction of our nation. Our founding fathers were very wise people. Today's legislators could never do what they did.

Carole Benner

So my answer of four should have been correct

Lawanta

The question didn't reference the year of "this election", so it was difficult to answer. In hindsight, we see it was written prior to the 2016 election, so should be updated or removed!

Mike Hibner

You seriously need to put a date on questions like this as this question obviously precedes the 2016 elections...

Francie Carlson

IMOP, The Electoral College has outlived its usefulness.

Doug Kern

And what is "this election"? Needs a date stamp on this one.

Matthew Roen

ninakamwene, no, we call it a democratic republic.

Matthew Roen

Jim Gerber, they do, in your state.

Jim Gerber

Every person's vote should count equally.

Anna Grimes

Morva Ory, the Governor of Louisiana turn down National relief effort offered to him from President Bush.....HE is the one responsible for the initial disaster of the flooding Levy..... The levy was antiquated and needed updating, long before it broke. As far as Medicare is concerned and S.S. I am not having any difficulty....Medicaid I cannot say for I have NEVER received any FREE STUFF from our Government.....Medicare is something you WORK FOR .....and PAY INTO FOR YEARS.