1816 and 1817 United States House of Representatives elections
Elections to the United States House of Representatives for the 15th Congress were held at various dates in different states between April 1816 and August 1817. The Democratic-Republican Party entered the election with a large majority, yet made sizable gains, helping trigger the virtually nonpartisan Era of Good Feelings under new President James Monroe, elected in 1816. Two major events combined to help eliminate the declining Federalist Party from meaningful contention. First, the War of 1812 had concluded in 1815 with a feeling of national pride and relief, with the small American military fighting the much more powerful British forces to a draw punctuated by General Andrew Jackson's dramatic victory at the Battle of New Orleans. Federalists had opposed the risky but ultimately successful war, with some New England Federalists advocating radical measures at the Hartford Convention. Second, the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora in present-day Indonesia, itself the most powerful in recorded history and following other major eruptions, temporarily disrupted global climate. The effects severely damaged the agricultural economy of New England, where Federalist support was strongest, causing privation, popular discontent, and mass emigration westward.
Election summaries
was admitted as a state in 1817 during the 15th Congress, adding one seat.
Massachusetts's electoral law required a majority for election. In five districts this was not met on the first election, requiring additional trials to be held. Massachusetts elected its members November 4, 1816.
Mississippi
Mississippi was admitted as a state on December 10, 1817 from the western half of the former Mississippi Territory It elected its first representative to Congress August 4–5, 1817.
There were four territories with the right to send delegates during at least part of the 15th Congress. Alabama Territory was formed from the eastern half of Mississippi Territory, and its first delegate was seated on March 9, 1818. Illinois Territory also only existed during the 1st Session, as it was admitted to the Union as the State of Illinois on December 3, 1818. Mississippi Territory only existed during the first few months of the 15th Congress, but did not elect a delegate, since it was admitted to the Union as a state a few days into the 1st Session of the 15th Congress. There were two elections held for the delegate from Missouri Territory. The first was contested by Rufus Easton on the grounds of electoral fraud. This election was declared void, and a second election was held on August 4, 1817. It was won without controversy by John Scott, who took his seat on December 8, 1817.
