Election Day calls Americans to the polls every first Tuesday of November to cast their ballots and shape the nation’s future. From local races to national offices, this is our chance to make our voices heard. Register to vote, research your candidates, and head to the polls to participate in our democracy.
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Expected Election Day Deals
Election Day is less about commercial deals and more about civic engagement, but some brands offer incentives for voters. Expect local businesses to offer ‘I Voted’ sticker discounts, such as free coffee at Starbucks or discounted meals at Panera Bread. Non-partisan organizations like When We All Vote and Rock the Vote partner with companies to encourage voter registration and turnout, sometimes offering sweepstakes or exclusive merchandise. Check local news and social media for community-specific events and promotions. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November approaches.
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Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #ElectionDay. Share insights on civic duty or workplace voting policies.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #ElectionDay. Share real-time updates from the polls or voter resources.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ElectionDay. Engage with community discussions about local elections and voter turnout.
Election Day Hero
Susan B. Anthony
History of Election Day
Elections are the one thing that separates a democracy from a dictatorship, giving people the right to control their leaders and oust them without the need for a revolution. This day is a great way to show our appreciation for these rights that have been granted to us through the notion of democracy.
The electors were chosen for the first U.S. presidential election on January 7, 1789. The Federal law permitted each state to choose Presidential electors any time within 34 days and send their electors to the Electoral College. As communications and transportation evolved, this became a problem since the states that voted earlier could influence states that voted later. To prevent this, Congress responded by mandating a uniform national date for choosing the electors.
The first Tuesday following the first Monday was chosen as Election Day for future presidents on January 23, 1845. This time was deemed suitable for elections as the harvest would have been over. Tuesday was convenient because voters could attend church on a Sunday and travel to their polling stations on Monday. This allowed the farmers to vote before Wednesday, which was usually when farmers would sell their produce at the market.
On November 7, 1848, the first Election Day took place. Whig Party candidate, Zachary Taylor, won out over Free-Soil candidate and former president, Martin Van Buren, and Democrat candidate, Lewis Cass. Millard Fillmore, who was Taylor’s running mate, became the nation’s 13th president on July 10, 1850, upon Taylor’s untimely death.
Election Day timeline
Wyoming legislature passes a law allowing women to vote, Colorado follows in 1893.
In February 1870, the 15th Amendment grants African-American men the right to vote.
The 19th Amendment of the United States Constitution grants women from every state the right to vote.
The 26th Amendment reduces the voting age in the United States from 21 to 18 years.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Election Day
Local businesses can play a crucial role on Election Day by fostering civic engagement within their communities. Consider offering flexible work schedules or paid time off to ensure employees have ample opportunity to vote. Restaurants and cafes might provide special discounts or free items to customers proudly displaying their ‘I Voted’ stickers, creating a positive atmosphere around participation. Partner with local non-profits like the League of Women Voters to host voter registration drives in the weeks leading up to the election, making it easier for citizens to prepare.
Election Day FAQs
When is Election Day?
In 2026, Election Day falls on Tuesday, November 3. This mid-term election year will see voters cast ballots for members of the House of Representatives, a third of the Senate, and numerous state and local offices.
How many Americans vote on Election Day?
Voter turnout varies significantly by election type. In the 2022 midterm elections, approximately 46.7% of the voting-eligible population cast a ballot, representing over 110 million Americans. Expectations for 2026 will likely be similar for a midterm year.
Is Election Day a federal holiday?
No, Election Day is not a federal holiday in 2026, meaning federal employees are generally expected to work. However, some states and private companies observe it as a holiday or offer paid time off for voting.
What is the history of Election Day?
The uniform Election Day was established by Congress in 1845 to standardize presidential elections across states, originally set for the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This date was chosen to avoid market days and religious observances.
How to Observe Election Day
Go out and vote
Every vote matters. We need to vote for the change we want. We cannot expect things to get better unless we make an effort, and that effort starts with a simple vote. So make sure you cast your vote this Election Day.
Get others to join
Encourage others to vote as well. Start with your friends, families, or colleagues, explaining to them the importance of voting and why every vote matters.
Take people to the polls
Provide rides to polls. This is a great way to ensure that people vote. Before Election Day, Inform people that you will be providing rides to the polls. Get them on board and take them to the polling stations.
5 Important Facts About Election
Youngest president
John F. Kennedy was 43 when he was elected to office.
Votes counted by raising hands
Votes were often counted by raising hands or speaking out loud in the 1700s and early 1800.
The first woman to run for office
Victoria Woodhull became the first woman to run for president in 1872.
The dead opponent
In 1872, President Grant ran against a dead opponent, Horace Greeley, who died during the election process.
Secret ballots were introduced
Secret ballots started becoming common in the 1890s election.
Why Election Day is Important
It’s important for democracy
Election is an integral part of any democracy. Without the election process, a democracy cannot function. As citizens, we get the chance to appoint people who will steer affairs and make decisions on our behalf — decisions that would impact our lives and destinies.
Voting is our duty
We enjoy plenty of rights in a democracy. These rights are for our protection and wellbeing. But they go together with duties. To ensure the protection of our rights, we need to perform certain duties, one of which is voting.
To ensure a better future
We should constantly strive for perfection. We have faced many issues in the past as a society, and the only way we were able to fix them was when we unanimously demanded change. Voting is the best way to demand that change. So vote today to ensure a better future.
Election Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 4 | Tuesday |
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