It Could Be Worse

So I’m scanning some microfilm from 1946, and I spy an article titled "State Guard Called As Pitched Battle Rages Over Voting: Armed Siege at County Seat." It really has to be read in its entirety to be appreciated, but this should give a hint:

ATHENS, Tenn., Aug. 2 – (AP) – Two men were reported killed and at least 22 wounded here tonight as a bitter local political campaign flared into an open election day battle around the barricaded McMinn County jail.
From within the jail, surrounded by a crowd estimated at 500 persons, a man who identified himself as Justice of the Peace Herman F. Moses told newsmen via telephone that "we might have eight wounded and two dead here."
Besieged Deputies Trade Shots With Mob
He did not name the victims and there was no way to check his report as members of the crowd swapped gunfire with the deputized officers within the jail.
A few moments earlier, Moses had answered a telephone call from Chattanooga.
After, volley after volley had been fired by the combatants using pistols and light rifles, the barricaded officers sent out an appeal by telephone – "We need help."
Meanwhile at Nashville, the state capitol, Adj. Gen. Hilton Butler announced that the 6th Regiment of the state guard was being mobilized at Maryville, Tenn. They would be ready to move into Athens at daybreak.
Elements of the Middle Tennessee Brigade have also been mobilized and will move into Athens from the west at the same time, Butler said.
The local hospital said 14 persons, five of them considered in a serious condition, had received treatment for gunshot wounds. In addition, ambulance drivers said they had been unable to reach three other persons lying within the range of fire and the extent of their injuries was not known.

So…in about a week, when we are collectively rolling our eyes at the plague-like collection of attorneys that have descended upon various swing states, and bemoaning the incidents of voter fraud and other shenanigans, we should take the time to kick-back, take a deep breath, and thank our lucky stars that this election has not involved the use of the following sentence:

A double line of men with drawn guns was formed and the ballot box was carried out to the sedan.

Fingers crossed.