Election Day is the day legally established for the general election of federal public officials in the United States). Citizens vote for President and Vice President every four years, Representatives every two years, and Senators every six years, excluding special elections to fill unexpired terms. State and local elections are often, but not always, held on the same day as federal elections). The timing of Election Day is set by law, and it is held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years). Upcoming elections are scheduled for November 5, 2024, and November 3, 2026).

Election Day is not a federal holiday, but it is a yearly or biennial holiday in some states, including Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, West Virginia, as well as the territory of the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico). Some other states require that workers be permitted to take time off with pay).

Voters can find their polling place and its hours, as well as what ID they need to vote, by visiting their states election website. Each state sets its own voter ID rules, and most require voters to bring identification to vote in person. Voter guides and sample ballots include the candidates and the state or local issues up for a vote, and reviewing them before going to the polls can help voters decide who to vote for.

The fact that Election Day falls on a Tuesday has become controversial in recent decades, as many people might be unable to vote because they have to work). Tuesday was chosen as Election Day so that voters could attend church on Sunday, travel to the polling location (usually in the county seat) on Monday, and vote before Wednesday, which was usually when farmers would sell their produce at the market).