- Unfairness: The draft lottery system was perceived to be unfair because it allowed wealthier individuals to pay a commutation fee to avoid military service, while poorer individuals were more likely to be conscripted. This led to accusations that the draft was biased in favor of the upper class.
- Poor implementation: The draft was not well-organized or executed, leading to confusion, errors, and delays. Many individuals were drafted who should have been exempt due to age, health, or other reasons, while others who should have been drafted managed to evade service. This further eroded public confidence in the draft.
- Civil unrest: The draft sparked significant opposition and resistance, particularly in some Northern cities such as New York City, where widespread riots broke out in response to the draft. The violence and unrest associated with the draft contributed to its negative perception.
- Voluntary enlistment: The Union army had already been relying heavily on voluntary enlistments, and many people believed that continuing to rely on volunteers, combined with offering higher bounties for those willing to serve, would have been a more effective and fair approach to raising troops.
- Democratic resistance: The draft was challenged in court and criticized by anti-war Democrats, who argued it was unconstitutional and that it violated the rights of citizens. These political challenges further undermined the draft's popularity and effectiveness.
- Untimely timing: The draft came at a time when the Union was facing significant setbacks in the Civil War, including the loss of the Battle of Fredericksburg and the Emancipation Proclamation, which alienated some Northern Democrats. This context further fueled criticism and opposition to the draft.