The 1839 Philadelphia mayoral election saw John Swift return to office for a seventh overall non-consecutive term.[1]
This was the first Philadelphia mayoral election in which members of the general public were able to vote.[1] Prior to this, the City Council solely elected mayors of Philadelphia.[1] Beginning in 1839, the city began to operate under a mixed electoral system. Citizens voted for mayor in a general election. If a candidate received a majority of the vote, they would be elected mayor. However, if no candidate received a majority, the City Council would select a mayor from the top-two finishers.[1]
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Government