History
Election Day in the United States happens on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Congress set this date in 1845 to simplify voting across the country. Originally, people could vote on different days, but a single date made it easier for farmers to participate after the fall harvest. The chosen day avoided November 1, a religious holiday, and Sundays, allowing more people to take part. Today, Election Day is a significant civic event, representing the culmination of democratic processes and ensuring Americans’ voices are heard in the selection of leaders and the direction of government policies.
Historical Figures
George Washington: The first U.S. president, elected under the new Constitution in 1789, marking the start of presidential elections.
James K. Polk: During his presidency in 1845, Congress established a unified Election Day to bring consistency across states.
Susan B. Anthony: A leader in the women’s suffrage movement, she fought for voting rights for women, leading to the 19th Amendment in 1920, which expanded voter access.
Books
This Little President: A Presidential Primer by Joan Holub
Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty
V Is for Voting by Kate Farrell
