To introduce a bill to secure the freedom of elections and to provide more effectually for the administration of executive patronage.

On Feb 10, 1840, the House voted 91–74. Result: passed. By party: Democrats 11–73, Others 80–1. 11 members voted against their own party.

During the 26th Congress (1839–1840), Martin Van Buren was president.

Yes: 91
No: 74
Did not vote: 90
Date: Feb 10, 1840

By party

Democrats11 yes · 73 no · 43 didn’t vote
Others80 yes · 1 no · 47 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

Edward Cross D-AR voted yes
Tilghman Ashurst Howard D-IN voted yes
William Orlando Butler D-KY voted yes
Isaac Edwin Crary D-MI voted yes
Albert Gallatin Brown D-MS voted yes
Charles Biddle Shepard D-NC voted yes
Gouverneur Kemble D-NY voted yes
Isaac Leet D-PA voted yes
John King Griffin D-SC voted yes
Harvey Magee Watterson D-TN voted yes
Isaac Fletcher D-VT voted yes

How each representative voted: Yes

How each representative voted: No

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “To introduce a bill to secure the freedom of…: House Vote, Feb 10…,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/26-H-127/to-introduce-a-bill-to-secure-the-freedom-of (accessed 2026-10-17).