Was there any evidence of voter suppression and fraud as per the Colonel's suggestion, e.g. a wide difference in return totals between the secession ratification vote and the 1860 presidential election vote?
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We must remember, Secession was voted down by Tennesseans until, armed forced was indicated, by Lincoln.
If Kangaroo is correct - It wouldn't compare to what took place in - Kentucky,Maryland,etc
State Of Maryland
Legislative Resolution
Whereas, The war against the Confederate States is unconstitutional and repugnant to civilization, and will result in a bloody and shameful overthrow of our institutions; and whilst recognizing the obligations of Maryland to the Union, we sympathize with the South in the struggle for their rights-for the sake of humanity, we are for peace and reconciliation, and solemnly protest against this war, and will take no part in it:-- Resolved, That Maryland implores the President, in the name of God, to cease this unholy war, at least until Congress assembles; that Maryland desires and consents to the recognition of the independence of the Confederate States. The military occupation of Maryland is unconstitutional, and she protests against it, though the violent interference with transit of Federal is discountenanced; that the vindication of her rights be left to time and reason, and that a convention, under existing circumstances, is inexpedient.
The link below is to a Google rendering of a contemporary book with county by county returns for both the February vote where the mere calling of a secession convention was strongly rejected and the questionable vote in June ratifying the legislature's choice to leave the Union. The first election's returns start on page 33, the second on 48. The chapter starting on page 46 gives the contemporary Union opinion on the secession vote. A typical doubtful swing would be a county like Polk where secession was rejection 1,112 to 117 in the first vote, but approved 738-317 in the 2nd vote.