Question

Why was the U.S. presidential election of 1876 unusual?

A. Although no one in the North voted for him, Rutherford B. Hayes
still won the popular vote.
B. None of the Southern states voted, but Samuel Tilden was still
elected president
C. Samuel Tilden was a Republican, but he chose the Democrat
Rutherford B. Hayes to run as his vice president.
D. Samuel Tilden won the popular vote, but Rutherford B. Hayes
became president.

Answer 1

there were 20 disputed electoral votes from new states

Answer 2

Answer: D. Samuel Tilden won the popular vote, but Rutherford B. Hayes

Tilden did win the popular vote, and his electoral vote count was initially ahead of Hayes' count; however, there were four states in which the electoral college results were disputed (leaving 20 votes up in the air which was enough for Hayes to win). To settle the matter, electoral votes were awarded to Hayes in exchange for the Reconstruction ending. This meant Union troops would withdraw occupation from the south (specifically South Carolina, Louisiana, and Florida).