Meaning: This quote by Daniel J. Evans, a prominent American politician, reflects a time in history when the process of gathering election results was significantly different from what we experience today. The quote captures the essence of a time when election nights were marked by a sense of communal activity and anticipation as people gathered at a central location to await the incoming results from various precincts.

During the era referenced in the quote, likely the mid-20th century, the absence of modern communication technology such as cell phones meant that the process of collecting and disseminating election results was more labor-intensive and reliant on personal effort and teamwork. Evans describes a scenario where individuals were assigned the task of gathering results from multiple precincts and then bringing that information back to a central location, in this case, a house, where it would be compiled and analyzed.

The absence of instant communication methods meant that the process of collecting election results was more decentralized and required a coordinated effort from multiple individuals. Each person was responsible for gathering data from a specific set of precincts, suggesting a division of labor and a sense of shared responsibility in obtaining the complete picture of the election outcome.

In the absence of real-time reporting and electronic data transmission, the gathering of election results was a more organic and communal experience. People would come together, physically, to share and compare the results they had collected, fostering a sense of collective engagement and participation in the democratic process. The act of physically bringing in the results from different precincts to a central location also highlights the tangible and hands-on nature of the process during that time.

This quote provides valuable insight into the historical context of electoral processes and the evolution of technology in the realm of elections. It serves as a reminder of the significant changes that have occurred in the way election results are obtained and shared over time. The contrast between the described scenario and the present-day reliance on instantaneous electronic communication underscores the impact of technological advancements on the conduct of elections and the speed at which information is now disseminated.

In conclusion, Daniel J. Evans' quote offers a glimpse into a bygone era when the gathering and sharing of election results were characterized by a more communal, labor-intensive, and decentralized process. It highlights the role of personal effort, teamwork, and physical engagement in obtaining and analyzing election data, and serves as a testament to the profound impact of technological advancements on the conduct of elections and the dissemination of information.