sentences:  Nationwide, Lincoln took 39.8% of the popular vote, while Douglas won 29.5% of the popular vote, Breckenridge won 18.1%, and Bell won 12.6%.82.2 percent of eligible voters took part in the contentious election, the second highest turnout in U.S. history.Despite Republican success in the presidential election, the party failed to win a majority in either house of Congress.