Election Day in the United States is the day on which national elections for presidential electors take place. The U.S. Congress established the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November as Election Day. It is a legal holiday in most states and in all territories. Many state elections are also held on this day. Many states forbid the retail sale of liquor while the polls are open.
Originally, Congress did not set a specific date for national elections. Each state could appoint its electors on any day within 34 days before the date in December set for the convening of electors. In 1845, Congress established Election Day to correct abuses caused by the lack of a standard election day.
