You do know of Lincoln ordering Federal troops to arrest leading Democrats in Kent County trying to vote in the Maryland state elections of 1863? Only candidates of the Union League convention were recognized by the federal authorities. In other places the soldiers administered oaths, arrested Democrats, and voted themselves.
Also,
With Lincoln's approval- on October 27, 1863 Gen. Robert C. Schenck had issued General Orders No. 53. These orders directed his provost marshals (1)to arrest all persons who had taken part in the rebellion who might be found in the vicinity of Maryland's polling places; [Modified by Lincoln when protested by Maryland's Governor to say "That all Provost Marshals, and other Military Officers, do prevent all disturbance and violence at or about the polls, whether offered by such persons as above described, or by any other person, or persons whomsoever"] (2) to require an oath of allegiance of any whose vote might be challenged on grounds of loyalty [i.e. Democrats]; and (3) to report any election judges who refused their cooperation in carrying out the orders.
[Read the next statements real carefully]
"-- Your suggestion that nearly all the candidates are loyal, I do not think quite meets the case-- In this struggle for the nation's life, I can not so confidently rely on those whose elections may have depended upon disloyal votes. Such men, when elected, may prove true; but such votes are given them in the expectation that they will prove false." From Abraham Lincoln to Maryland Governor Augustus W. Bradford November 2, 1863.
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From Robert C. Schenck to Edwin M. Stanton, November 1, 1863
Recd 2. P. M.
Nov 1. 1863.
Baltimore Md.
Nov. 1. 1863.
I will go to see the President by next Train 5. P. M. today. My order as to the election has already been issued. If it is revoked, we lose this State. Can I see you first on arrival at Washington this evening?1
Robt. C. Schenck
Maj. General.
[In other words without Federal Troops to fix the election the Democrats would win the state of Maryland]
A week later Lincolns troops were patroling the polls in Delaware's special congressional election to insure that state stayed Republican too.
Note: Maj. General Robert C. Schenck, a violent radical, had just defeated Vallandigham in the congressional elections the year before and would soon take his seat in the House of Representatives.
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David Upton