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In the colonial period only Ma achusetts (till 1691), onnecticut and Rhode Island elected their Governors. But in all the people elected their Representatives in the A embly, and this was done either by ballot or, as in Virginia, after the English manner, viva voce. Election disturbances were common in the Southern colonies, though laws against violence and treating prevailed. Under the Constitution of 1787 the Federal Congre did not pa laws controlling the election of Senators until 1866, when the present system was introduced, nor of Representatives, completely, until 1875. The first Presidential election was held in January and February of 178. The times of election formerly varied much in different States, but now nearly all elect their Congre men in November.