Dinkin (emeritus, California State U.) provides a close examination of how election day has evolved from the 18th century to the controversial 2000 presidential election. Based on original documents and personal accounts by involved parties, the volume explores the public mood at the outset, the efforts to get out the vote, the actual casting of ballots with its consequent irregularities, the counting and reportage of the returns, and the many forms of celebration and other post-election activities that took place. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)