Election Day in the United States is the annual general election day for federal public officials determined by the law and falls on Tuesday immediately preceding the first Monday in November. Election day for government officials in the United States; for federal offices (President, Vice President, and United States Congress), and most gubernatorial offices (all except Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Virginia). Election Day occurs only in even-numbered years.
US Election Day 2023 Date
Election day in the USA is the annual statutory date for elections of federal public officials. It is statutorily established by the Federal Government that "the Tuesday after the first Monday in November". The Tuesday usually falls between November 2 and November 8 every year. Various states and local government offices are elected on the day as a matter of convenience and cost savings. This year Tuesday falls on November 8 and in 2023 the day will fall on November 7.
History of U.S. Election Day
Until 1792, federal law allowed each state legislature to select a Presidential election at any time before 34 days of the first Wednesday in December. The November election was ideal because harvesting would've been completed by this time and the severe cold weather yet to arrive that brought transport restrictions, while a new election could be scheduled around the New Year. Later, Tuesday was preferred as Election Day so that voters could pay a church visit on Sunday, attend elections on Monday and vote before Wednesday, which was usually when farmers sent their goods to market. Initially, states differed in their selection of different constituencies.
The development of the Morse electric telegraph, funded by Congress in 1843, was a technological breakthrough that foreshadowed the future of rapid nationwide communication. It was successfully tested in 1844. Congress, in 1845, enacted a uniform national date for the selection of Presidential elections to prevent one state's announcements from interfering with another state's presidential election.
Congress chose the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November to balance current election practice with the existing 34-day window under federal law, since Election Day is always 29 days from the first Wednesday in December.
The 20th Amendment, approved in 1933, changed the commencing and concluding terms of the President, Vice President, Senators, and Congressmen. However, this did not affect Election Day timing.
Election Day Celebrations
The major celebrations include – performing civic duties, voting for elected officials, and visiting polling centers.
How to Celebrate US Election Day
The election is the best way to imply your opinion. Below we discuss 8 best ways to celebrate Election Day –
1. Cast your vote
Cast your vote for the changes you want. The effort starts with a simple vote. Please make sure you vote this Election Day.
2. Encourage people to vote
Encourage friends, family, or colleagues to explain to them why it’s important to vote, and why every vote is worth casting.
3. American Foods
Celebrate your country during the election party by grilling America’s popular foods — hot dogs, buns, hamburgers, ketchup, mustard, and any toppings you wish for the grill.
4. Election Day Hats
The political hat is an exciting way to get your voters into the Election Day spirit. Found in all shades of red, white, and blue.
5. Vote Campaign Signs
Greet voters and guests at your party by staking political yard signs at the entrance to your party.
6. American Flag
There's no patriotic sign without your country’s flag. Greet everyone with small American flags.
7. American Flag Bandanas
Bandanas Americana is the brand of Bandanas depending on your guests’ invitations, fold patriotic bandanas or use them as table decorations. This is a great way to dress your guests in red, white, and blue for Election Day.
8. Provide free rides
This is an exciting way to take people to vote. Before the election, let the people know that you will be giving free rides to the polls.
Significance of Election Day / Importance of Election
Elections simply separate democracy from dictatorship, giving the people the right to use and remove their leaders without a revolution. This day brings an opportunity to show our appreciation for these rights given to us through the concept of democracy. In the field of politics, in a democracy, a government is elected by the electorate; a process by which an elector chooses from among several candidates for government.
Through elections, citizens participate in the democratic process. Citizens elect leaders to represent them and their views, and leaders support the needs of citizens. U.S. citizens have two special rights – voting in federal elections and running for federal office.
Is Election Day a Public Holiday?
Election Day is not a federal holiday, however, it is a holiday in 12 states and observes in 39 states. Below is a list of states where it is a state holiday
- Montana
- West Virginia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Michigan
What Happens on Election Day?
On Election Day, citizens of the USA can cast their vote by favorite ballot for candidates for public office at the local, state, or national levels. How people vote depends on the state in which they reside.
In Oregon, each voter has to cast votes by post and all ballots must be received by a certain time on Election Day.
Nearly everyone in Washington State cast votes by post and envelopes containing ballot papers must be labeled with the date of the election.
In other states, people vote at polling stations where there can be long lines.
Why is Election Day on Tuesday after the first Monday in November?
The USA continued its tradition of "Tuesday after the first Monday in November."
A Tuesday was chosen because voters had to travel several times to get into town to vote. The government did not want people to go on Sabbath (Sunday for most Americans). Therefore, Tuesday was chosen as one day of the week to vote.
US Election Day Facts
- Election Day, which arrives on Tuesday (after the first Monday in November), has been controversial in recent decades, with many people cannot vote because of their jobs.
- It is a state holiday in several states, including Illinois, Kentucky, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Montana, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, West Virginia, and the territory of the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico.
- In some states, Employees have the legal right to elect time off work to cast vote, sometimes without any loss of salary.
- Some other states require employees to take paid time off. California requires employees who are unable to vote to take two hours off with pay at the beginning or end of their shift.
Happy U.S. Election Day 2023: Wishes, Greetings, Messages
Let’s celebrate the day in high spirits and with great optimism. To help you, we’ve included US Election Day wishes messages and greetings below –
- Elections are about the participation of all citizens in the process of choosing a leader for their country. Happy Election Day in the United States!
- Let's celebrate Election Day with great vigor because it gives us the right to vote for the future. Happy Election Day!
- Casting a vote is not only our right but also our duty and so, we must exercise it responsibly. Happy United States Election Day!
- The fate of a country depends on if people have the right to come out and vote. Happy Election Day!
- US Election Day reminds every American of the importance of voting to elect our president. Happy Election Day!
- We should not underestimate Election Day in the United States because what happens on this day will determine the future of our country and our people. Happy Election Day!
Happy Election Day 2023 Status and Captions
On the occasion of US Election Day, it is everyone's civic duty to come out for casting a vote. Below are some of the best statuses and captions for Instagram Facebook Whatsapp Twitter or other social media –
- By casting one's vote, we join our voice in the chorus that forms ideas and forms the basis for action. Happy Election Day!
- It's not in everyone's fate to get the chance to vote and we're lucky to have the right. Happy Election Day!
- Never forget your 1 vote is strong enough to change the government. Happy Election Day!
- Don’t forget to vote this Election Day to make your thoughts come true.
- Voting is a fundamental responsibility of every citizen and we shouldn't show apathy to cast vote. Happy Election Day!
Election Day 2023 SMS
On the occasion of the united states' Election Day encourage your friends, family, and people you know to vote through these short messages (SMS) –
- Voting makes us all equal which does not discriminate between castes religions or classes. Happy Election Day!
- Never let go of the opportunity to vote because it depends on who will serve our country. Happy Election Day!
- Always build a strong voter base by participating in voting. Happy Election Day!
- Those who vote, make stronger citizens and the strongest county. Happy Election Day!
- If we choose not to vote we ignore history and give up ourselves in a futile future. Happy Election Day!
- There is a chance for all of us somewhere to change the country and it is through voting. Happy Election Day!
Inspiring Election Day Quotes
An inspiring quote can change one's motive not to vote. Therefore, we added the best election quotes said by eminent personalities –
"The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all." — John F. Kennedy
"Voting is not only our right—it is our power." — Loung Ung
"Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country, and this world." — Sharon Salzberg
"The ballot is stronger than the bullet." — Abraham Lincoln
"By voting, we add our voice to the chorus that forms opinions and the basis for actions." — Jens Stoltenberg
"You wouldn't let your grandparents pick your playlist. Why would you let them pick your representative who's going to determine your future?" — Barack Obama
"If you don’t vote, you lose the right to complain." — George Carlin
Election Day in the United States arrives each year on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. The day usually falls between November 2 to November 8. On this day, voters vote for their favorite candidate and elect government officials which includes national, state, and local government officials at all levels up to the President.