Chapter 42: The Election opens with a quiet tension as Jerry Barker finds himself caught between financial opportunity and moral clarity. Political campaigns sweep through the town with loud processions and busy canvassers eager to rent every available cab. Jerry, though offered good money, firmly refuses to participate. The idea of transporting drunken voters for political gain unsettles him. More than discomfort, it’s about dignity—both for himself and for the horses he relies on. He believes no amount of pay is worth degrading the cab or misusing the trust he places in his animals. Others may see it as just part of the job, but Jerry holds to the belief that work should never compromise a man’s principles. Even when he’s pressed with reasons and reassurances, he calmly explains that his refusal is not a judgment on others, but a decision based on his own sense of right and wrong.

His stance deepens further when he considers the candidate himself. Although they may share political leanings, Jerry cannot support a man whose fortune was made from selling alcohol—a trade he views as deeply harmful to families like his own. This personal conviction, born from lived experience, keeps him grounded when others waver. Jerry once struggled with drink and knows firsthand the damage it brings. That awareness shapes his decision-making, not just in voting but in how he chooses to engage with society. For Jerry, participating in the election—either by helping the campaign or casting his vote—must align with his conscience. The conversation in his home becomes a quiet act of resistance against the notion that practicality should always win over principle. His children, listening nearby, absorb more than just his words—they witness integrity in action. It’s a lesson not taught, but lived.

The moral thread of the chapter extends beyond politics when young Dolly, Jerry’s daughter, returns home in tears after being mocked by other children. They tease her because her family is seen as “odd” for not participating in the flashy activities of the election day. Her brother Harry doesn’t hesitate—he steps in to defend her, trading insults for action and giving one of the boys a firm shove. When Jerry learns what happened, he finds himself in a complicated position. He’s proud of Harry for defending his sister but troubled by the use of force. His guidance is thoughtful rather than scolding. He praises the loyalty but encourages his son to think about whether there might be better ways to respond in the future. In this, Jerry teaches that justice and restraint are not at odds—they can work together when handled with wisdom.

Dolly’s experience is a reflection of how children are often caught in the ripple effects of adult decisions. Her classmates repeat what they hear at home, mocking values they don’t fully understand. But in her own quiet way, Dolly begins to grasp that being different isn’t wrong when it’s rooted in something honest. Jerry doesn’t shield his children from the world; instead, he walks beside them as they learn to stand firm with grace. These smaller moments—within the family, away from crowds—are where values are shaped and solidified. And Anna Sewell uses them to remind readers that the true strength of a person often reveals itself in how they navigate the everyday, not just the extraordinary.

This chapter weaves personal ethics with public action in a way that feels timeless. Jerry’s refusal to serve the election campaign isn’t loud or confrontational, but it carries weight. It’s a stand made with quiet confidence, showing how a single decision can preserve self-respect even in a society that often pushes for compromise. For modern readers, the scenario may echo in situations where work, community, or even social circles demand choices that conflict with personal beliefs. The message is clear—integrity doesn’t always look grand. Sometimes, it means turning down a profitable offer or gently correcting a child. It means holding fast when it would be easier to bend.

Political landscapes may change, but the core of this story—choosing principle over popularity—remains deeply relevant. Anna Sewell doesn’t just tell us what Jerry believes; she shows us why it matters. In doing so, she encourages every reader to consider what they stand for and how they demonstrate that conviction in everyday life. Whether it’s in refusing a job that feels wrong or teaching children how to act with honor, the echoes of Jerry’s example linger well beyond the final page. It’s a portrait of moral courage painted in the soft hues of everyday choices—a reminder that character, more than opinion, defines the people we become.