October 4, 1790 - April 2, 1792 1792 → 7 1 | 6 2 1 1 | |
Elections for the United States House of Representatives for the 2nd Congress were held in Massachusetts on October 4, 1790, with subsequent elections held in four districts due to a majority not being achieved on the first ballot.
Contents
Background
In the previous election, 6 Pro-Administration and 2 Anti-Administration Representatives had been elected. One representative, George Partridge (P) of the 5th district resigned August 14, 1790. His seat was vacant at the time of the 1790 elections, so that there were 5 Pro-Administration and 2 Anti-Administration incumbents, all of whom ran for re-election.
Three candidates ran in districts with different numbers from the previous election. It is not clear from the source used whether there was redistricting or if the districts had simply been renumbered.
Massachusetts law at the time required a majority for election. This occurred on the first ballot in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th districts. In the remaining four districts additional elections were required. In the 5th and 7th districts, a majority was achieved on the 2nd ballot. In the 8th district, a majority was achieved on the 4th ballot, while in the 6th district, 8 ballots were required.
First Ballot
The first ballot was held on October 4, 1790. Four representatives, from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th districts won on the first ballot.
Second ballot
The second ballot was held in the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th districts on November 26, 1790. A majority was achieved in the 5th and 7th districts on the second ballot
Third ballot
The third ballot was held in the 6th and 8th districts on January 25, 1791. Neither district achieved a majority on this ballot.
Fourth ballot
The fourth ballot was held in the 6th and 8th districts on April 4, 1791. A majority was achieved in the 8th district.
Fifth ballot
The fifth ballot was held in the 6th district on September 8, 1791. A majority was not achieved. This was the last ballot before the first session of the 2nd Congress began on October 24, 1791. The 6th district was still vacant at the start of the 1st session.
Sixth ballot
The sixth ballot was held in the 6th district on November 11, 1791. A majority was not achieved.
Seventh ballot
The seventh ballot was held in the 6th district on December 26, 1791. A majority was not achieved.
Eighth ballot
The eighth ballot was held in the 6th district on April 2, 1792, near the end of the 1st session of the 2nd Congress.