Election Day

American  

noun

1. (in the U.S.) the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November on which national elections are held for electors of the president and vice president in those years evenly divisible by four. On even years constituents elect members of the House of Representatives for two-year terms and one third of the Senate for six-year terms.

2. (often lowercase) any day designated for the election of public officials.

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Etymology

Origin of Election Day

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

Jessica Cadigan, a former FBI intelligence analyst who investigated Election Day threats, said FBI headquarters’ command post was critical to her cases.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

The Election Day statutes were enacted to ensure that federal elections occur simultaneously across the country.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

In Mississippi’s case, ballots can be received within five business days after the election so long as they’re sent by Election Day.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

Fourteen US states allow mail-in ballots to be tallied after the date of the election if they bear a postmark by Election Day.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

It’s the perfect opportunity for me to break out the red, white, and blue outfit I wore on Election Day.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan