Election Day in America
Overview of Federal Law and U.S. History
Election Day is the day legally established for the general election, sometimes referred to as a “popular election,” of federal public officials: president, vice president and members of the U.S. Congress. Citizens vote for president and vice president every four years, representatives every two years, and senators every six years; this excludes special elections to fill unexpired terms. Primary elections, used to nominate candidates for a general election, are also excluded. The Senate is divided into three election classes, with approximately one-third of senators standing for reelection or election every two years, each term lasting six years. State and local…
