The Quirky History Of U.S. Elections: Twinkies, Liquor, And Selfies

1. A candidate from Minnesota was running for city council once and handed out Twinkies to voters, he was caught and a huge scandal ignited. This then led to creating a fair campaign act which was appropriately called, “The Twinkie Law" and is still enacted to this day.

2. George Washington spent his entire campaign budget on liquor to serve to voters during his 1758 campaign. Just like the Twinkie, it was frowned upon by not-so-much-fun people.

3. Why do we vote on Tuesdays? From the past to the present, U.S. elections are held on Tuesdays because it allows farmers to travel to polling places without interfering with the Biblical Sabbath or market day, which was often on Wednesday. I thought it was so we could get cheap tacos after voting.

4. In the U.S., we do not require citizens to vote. But 22 other countries do. In fact, not voting in one of these countries is a serious offense and punishment is dealt. Usually by fines and community service.

5. In 16 U.S. states, it is illegal to take a photo with your ballot, including South Dakota. South Dakota: Ballotpedia states, "Ballot 'selfies' are not allowed in South Dakota. Voters are not allowed to publicize an official ballot or any other person’s ballot information." For the love of God, no duck lips at the polling place.

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6. Should we have a "No Idiot" rule? The Ohio Constitution prohibits "idiots" from voting. The constitution states "no idiot, or shall be entitled to the privileges of an elector."

7. The worst campaign slogan of all time belongs to Al Smith, who was against prohibition. I'm sure he was just thirsty but ultimately came up with this campaign slogan: “Vote for Al Smith and he’ll make your wet dreams come true.” Yikes! Perhaps South Dakota's "Don't Jerk and Drive" campaign wasn't so bad after all.

8. Don't make an ass of yourself! Democrats use a donkey as their mascot thanks to Andrew Jackson when people called him a “jackass” because of his views. Well, then...

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9. William Henry Harrison’s had a very long inauguration speech lasting nearly two hours in a blizzard, which made him catch a cold and he died from pneumonia one month later. It's helpful to bring up this fact when a sermon goes too long.

10. You may not vote on behalf of someone who died, although people have tried. Like in 2020, it gums up elections when half of the cemetery's permanent residents this side of the Alamo seems to have voted.

source: FactRetriever, and FactRetriever/Presidential

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Inside Minnesota's Largest Candy Store

I had been to Minnesota's Largest Candy Store once before, but they did some pretty cool things since the last time I was there. They added a bunch of superheroes, Star Wars stuff, and a candy band.

According to their Facebook page, Jim's Apple Farm is actually how the now huge candy store got its start. It is located in Jordan, MN and you can't miss it. It is a huge yellow building.

Even though candy is mentioned in the name, they have a little bit of everything. They have fresh baked pies and cookies and fudge. We walked in and it smelled amazing!

They also have the largest selection of sodas! Then there is chocolate and taffy and gummies and chips and puzzles and games. So much stuff!

They even have a Zoltar machine like in the movie, Big. I had to check that out. He told me the only helping hand is at the end of my arm. Gee, thanks Zoltar.

There were even crickets and worms! Not gummy worms, but actual worms.

They also have candy from all over the world!

The store is seasonal, however. November is their last month of operation for the season.

Gallery Credit: Natasha