The Philadelphia mayoral election of 1847 saw John Swift reelected to office for an eleventh overall non-consecutive term.[1]
This was the last regularly-scheduled mayoral election in which the City Council selected the mayor, as all subsequent mayoral elections either reached a majority in the general election or used a different electoral system.[1]
Electoral system
Beginning in 1839, the city operated under a mixed electoral system. Citizens voted for mayor in a general election. If a candidate receive a majority of the vote, they would be elected mayor. However, if no candidate received a majority, the City Council would select a mayor from the top-two finishers.[1]
Results
General election
1847 Philadelphia mayoral election results (general election)[1]
Candidate
Votes
%
John Swift
6,046
49.78%
Altamont Phillips
3,550
29.23%
Peter Fritz
2,530
20.83%
James Hansell
10
0.08%
John M. Scott
2
0.02%
Others
8
0.06%
Total votes
12,146
City Council (runoff)
1847 Philadelphia mayoral election results (City Council runoff)[1]
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Government