8.1 The Secession (1861) 1860 Presidential Election Lincoln carried every one of the free statements of the North,which represented a solid majority of 59 percent of the electoral votes.However,he won less than 40 percent of the popular vote and virtually no support from the South and would therefore be a minority president. Douglas,the only candidate with support in all areas of the country,finished the second in the popular vote but won only 12 electoral votes.8.1 The Secession (1861) 1860 Presidential Election • Lincoln Lincoln carried every one of the free statements of the North, which represented a solid majority of 59 percent of the electoral votes. However, he won less than 40 percent of the popular vote and virtually no support from the South and would therefore be a minority president. • Douglas Douglas, the only candidate with support in all areas of the country, finished the second in the popular vote but won only 12 electoral votes