The Byrd Telegram
Irwin may be unique in American election history by the fact that he may be the only Presidential Elector to make a public effort to attempt to convince his fellow Republican Presidential Electors to also change their votes. After the November 1960, presidential election, Irwin sent out the following telegram addressed to the 218 Republican Electors:
I am Oklahoma Republican elector. The Republican electors cannot deny the election to Kennedy. Sufficient conservative Democratic electors available to deny labor Socialist nominee. Would you consider Byrd President, Goldwater Vice President, or wire any acceptable substitute. All replies strict confidence.
Irwin was said to have received about 40 replies from other electors but all of the other pledged electors voted as pledged.
Read more about this topic: Henry D. Irwin