General Election Day is the day in the United States when elections for public officials are held. Almost all federal elections are held on this day. All states, and most localities also hold their elections on this day. Though not a federal holiday, in many states government offices may be closed. In some states, and localities, bars and liquor stores are also closed.

Presidential elections are held on Election Day in years which are divisible by four. Depending on which year terms expire, elections are held for a variety of public offices including local officials such as the mayor, judges, and city councilmen; state officials such as the governor, and state legislators; and federal officials such as senators, and congressman.

In 1845, an act of Congress established Election Day. The date was chosen so that it was it was before severe winter weather set in (insuring that severe weather would not stop most people from being able to reach the poles), and after the harvest (so it would not inflict a hardship on farmers). In addition, it could not be on a Sabbath, or a holiday. The first Tuesday past the first Monday in November was the rule that was settled on. Though not required by the federal law, most states and localities started holding their elections on the same day as the federal ones.

Note: This holiday is one of Calendar Mine's over 500 built-in observances.

See Also

Holiday Catalogue

American (USA) Observances