Incumbent Democratic-Republican President James Madison defeated DeWitt Clinton, the lieutenant governor of New York and mayor of New York City, in the 1812 presidential election. It was the seventh quadrennial election, held from Friday, Oct. 30, to Wednesday, Dec. 2, during the War of 1812. Clinton had garnered support from Federalists and dissident Democratic-Republicans in the North. This election was significant in that it was the first presidential election to be held during a major war involving the United States.
James Madison, President; Elbridge Gerry, Vice President
| For President: | Total |
|---|---|
| James Madison, of Virginia | 128 |
| De Witt Clinton, of New York | 89 |
| For Vice-President: | Total |
| Elbridge Gerry, of Massachusetts | 131 |
| Jared Ingersoll, of Pennsylvania | 86 |
| Total electoral vote | 217 |
