1852 Philadelphia mayoral election  The Philadelphia mayoral election of 1852 saw the reelection of Charles Gilpin to a third consecutive term. Beginning in 1839, the city operated under a mixed electoral system. Citizens voted for mayor in a general election. If a candidate receive a majority of the vote, they would be elected mayor. However, if no candidate received a majority, the City Council would select a mayor from the top-two finishers.