15 Facts About Election Day Traditions Across The US

Why a Tuesday in November?

Election Day in the United States is a significant event, but have you ever wondered why it's held on a Tuesday in November? This tradition dates back to the 19th century.

1. The Date Choice: In 1845, the U.S. government set Election Day as the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This timing was chosen to accommodate the agrarian society of the time, ensuring elections occurred after the harvest but before winter made travel difficult.

Historical Context of Elections

The roots of American elections stretch back to colonial times, with various practices shaping today's traditions.

2. Colonial Voting: Early American elections were influenced by English practices. Initially, only white male landowners could vote, and not all offices were elected positions.

George Washington’s Campaign Tactics

Campaign strategies have evolved, but George Washington's approach in the 18th century was quite unique.

3. Buying Votes with Booze: In 1758, George Washington spent his entire campaign budget on 160 gallons of liquor for 391 voters. This practice of using alcohol to sway votes was a common English tradition adopted in Virginia.

Election Day Cake

Food has always played a role in celebrations, and Election Day is no exception.

4. A Sweet Tradition: During the American Revolution, Election Day Cake, a yeasted fruit cake, was a popular treat. While not as common today, recipes for this festive cake can still be found online.

Voting Rights Evolution

The journey to universal suffrage in the U.S. has been long and complex, marked by significant milestones.

5. Fifteenth Amendment: Ratified in 1870, this amendment granted African-American men the right to vote.
6. Women’s Suffrage: Wyoming was the first state to grant women the right to vote in 1890, followed by Colorado in 1893. The Nineteenth Amendment, adopted in 1920, extended this right to women nationwide.
7. Voting Rights Act of 1965: This landmark legislation outlawed discriminatory practices, particularly in the South, further protecting voting rights.

Youngest and Oldest Presidents

Age has varied widely among U.S. presidents, with some taking office at a very young age and others at an older age.

8. Youngest President: Theodore Roosevelt became president at 42 after McKinley’s assassination. John F. Kennedy was the youngest elected president at 43.
9. Oldest President: Donald Trump was 70 when elected, while Ronald Reagan was 77 when his presidency ended.

Secret Ballots

The way votes are cast has changed significantly over time, moving from public displays to private ballots.

10. Introduction of Secret Ballots: Early American elections involved public voting methods like raising hands or voice votes. Massachusetts was the first state to require secret ballots in 1888, with Kentucky being the last to adopt this practice in 1891.

Lowering the Voting Age

The legal voting age has also seen changes, reflecting shifts in societal attitudes.

11. Voting Age Change: Georgia was the first state to lower the voting age to 18 in 1943. This change became nationwide with the ratification of the Twenty-Sixth Amendment in 1971.

Voter Turnout

Voter participation varies greatly depending on the type of election.

12. Turnout Statistics: Presidential elections see about 60% of eligible voters, midterms about 40%, and local elections often less than 26%. Some mayors have been elected with fewer than 10% of eligible voters participating.

Mechanical Voting Machines

The technology used in voting has evolved from mechanical to digital systems.

13. Lever Voting Machines: Patented in 1889, these machines became widespread in the early 20th century. They were designed to prevent tampering and were used for decades before being replaced by electronic and paper ballot systems.

Election Day as a Holiday

There has been a growing movement to make Election Day a holiday to encourage voter participation.

14. Recent Legislation: In 2020, Virginia and Illinois established Election Day as a holiday. The idea was first proposed in 2005 by Democratic Representative John Conyers of Michigan to increase voter turnout and civic engagement.

Early and Postal Voting

Voting methods have expanded to include early and postal voting, making it more convenient for many voters.

15. Early Voting Options: Most states allow early voting, with periods ranging from 4 to 50 days before Election Day. Unconditional early voting in person is available in 32 states and D.C., while all states offer some form of absentee voting, with 27 states and D.C. allowing unconditional absentee voting by mail.

The Rich Tapestry of Election Day Traditions

Election Day in the US is more than just casting ballots. It's a blend of history, culture, and evolving practices. From George Washington’s campaign tactics involving liquor to the push for Election Day as a holiday, these traditions highlight the unique journey of American democracy. The choice of Tuesday in November dates back to agrarian times, ensuring farmers could vote post-harvest. Voting rights have expanded significantly, with milestones like the Fifteenth and Nineteenth Amendments. The shift to secret ballots and the introduction of mechanical voting machines marked significant changes in the voting process. Early and postal voting have made participation more accessible. Each tradition, whether quirky like Ohio’s “No Idiots” clause or significant like lowering the voting age, adds to the rich tapestry of Election Day. Understanding these traditions helps appreciate the democratic process and its continuous evolution.