I got my first clue in 1956, although I did not realize it at the time.
Mom and Dad were getting dressed to go vote. In those days that meant that Dad was wearing a suit and tie and Mom was in a dress, hat and gloves and wearing makeup.
I asked Dad who he was going to vote for and he said "We always vote Democrat". I was astonished. Dad was a WWII vet and had served under Eisenhower in Europe. "Why aren't you going to vote for General Ike?" I asked. "Because the Democrats are for the little guy" my Dad explained.
Then Mom interjected "I vote Democrat because the Democrats pay two dollars a vote and the Republicans only pay one dollar"
Don't tell him that!" Dad exclaimed. But it was too late.
Wow!