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Introduction Election Day Voting Election of the President Candidates Political Parties Primary Election National Conventions National Conventions - An Inside View Candidates at the Convention The Campaign Polling Places The Electoral College The Electoral Map The Inauguration

  

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Books & Reading

Books & Reading

If you are out of town on Election Day, how will you vote?

Can someone who is ill or in the hospital on election day still vote?

Suppose you are physically disabled and must vote by mail. Do you have to apply for an absentee ballot for each election?

How was the choice of a national Election Day made?

How many states have same-day registration, allowing voters to register on Election Day?



Election Day


Primary Election Political Parties Election Day Voting Election of the President Candidates National Conventions National Conventions - An Inside View Candidates at the Convention The Campaign Polling Places The Electoral College The Electoral Map The Inauguration

Election Day

It’s early in the morning and it’s Election Day. All across America, people are lined up at firehouses, schools, and other public buildings. They will come to these polling places to vote throughout the day. Voters have a chance, each year, to choose the leaders who will govern their cities and towns, their states, or their country. American citizens participate in their government by voting on Election Day.

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Election Day is a legal holiday in  Delaware, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia. Several other states have laws in place that allow workers time off to vote. A bill has been presented before the House of Representatives proposing to make Election Day a national holiday, called "Democracy Day."

Surf with Uncle Sam
Surf with Uncle Sam

Word Spy
Word Spy

Projects You Can Do

Set up your own election this November by creating this fun ballot box. Let everyone vote on the topic at hand then do things the democratic way!

What you'll need:

  • Child’s shoe box (Note: Use a box where the lid fits completely over the bottom.)
  • 3 sheets of white construction paper
  • ½ sheet red construction paper
  • 1 sheet blue construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue stick
  • Black marker
  • Scissors
How to make it:

Cover the shoe box with white construction paper using glue stick.

Have a grown up use scissors to cut a slot in the top of the box.

Cut a rectangle from red construction paper larger enough to completely cover the hole and cut out an opening in the center. Glue over the opening to cover any jagged edges.

Use a pencil to draw 9 stars on a piece of blue construction paper. Cut the stars out and glue them, pencil markings facing down, to the top of the ballot box.

Use a black marker to write the words “BALLOT BOX” on the front of the box.

Use small pieces of folded paper to write down your votes and place in the box until your election is over!

 

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The Dirksen Congressional CenterCopyright 2008