The 1852 Vermont gubernatorial election was held on Tuesday, September 7.[1] Incumbent governorCharles K. Williams, a Whig, was not a candidate for reelection.[2] In the voting, Whig Erastus Fairbanks received 49.2 percent, Democrat John S. Robinson 31.3 percent, and Free Soil Party nominee Lawrence Brainerd 19.6 percent.[3]
In accordance with the Vermont Constitution, because no candidate received 50 percent of the vote, the election was decided by the Vermont General Assembly.[3] On October 16, with 110 votes by the combined Vermont House of Representatives and Vermont Senate necessary for a choice, Fairbanks won on the first ballot with 117 votes to 61 for Robinson and 40 for Brainerd.[3] On Monday October 18, Fairbanks took the oath of office and began a one-year term.[4]
^Walton, Eliakim Persons, ed. (August 26, 1852). "Candidates, State Election, September 7". Vermont Watchman & State Journal. Montpelier, VT. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
^"Our Next Governor". Middlebury Register. Middlebury, VT. July 7, 1852. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.