The United States presidential election of 1788-89 was the first presidential election held under the new constitution. It occurred from Dec. 15, 1788, to Jan. 7, 1789. George Washington was unanimously elected the first president, and John Adams became the first vice president. This was the first national presidential election in American history and the only one that spanned two calendar years without a contingent election.
George Washington, President; John Adams, Vice President
Name of candidate | Total |
---|---|
George Washington, Esq | 69 |
John Adams, Esq | 34 |
Samuel Huntington, Esq | 2 |
John Jay, Esq | 9 |
John Hancock, Esq | 4 |
Robert H. Harrison, Esq | 6 |
George Clinton, Esq | 3 |
John Rutledge, Esq | 6 |
John Milton, Esq | 2 |
James Armstrong, Esq | 1 |
Edward Telfair, Esq | 1 |
Benjamin Lincoln, Esq | 1 |
Total electoral vote | 69 |