Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News Presents

Election Day special from NPR's Throughline: "How We Vote"

Residents in Milwaukee on the first day of early voting
Residents vote at a polling place in the Midtown neighborhood of Milwaukee on Oct. 20, the first day of early voting in Wisconsin.
Scott Olson | Getty Images file

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

From NPR’s Throughline podcast series: “How We Vote.”

Drunken brawls, coercion, and lace curtains. Believe it or not, how regular people vote was not something the founders thought much about, or planned for.

Americans went from casting votes at drunken parties in the town square to private booths behind a drawn curtain.

This program explores the process of voting; how it was originally designed, who it was intended for, moments in our country's history when we reimagined it altogether.