US Elections: A Comprehensive Guide to Polling Day

Election Day in the United States is a crucial event that takes place annually on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. This day is set aside for general elections of federal public officials, including the President, members of Congress, and various state and local offices. The concept of Election Day has a rich historical context, dating back to 1792 when each state legislature chose Presidential electors within a 34-day period before the first Wednesday in December.

As the nation evolved, so did the election process. In 1845, Congress responded to the development of the Morse electric telegraph by mandating a uniform national date for choosing Presidential electors, preventing information from one state from influencing electoral outcomes in another. Over time, activists have proposed alternatives to increase voter turnout, such as making Election Day a federal holiday or merging it with Veterans Day. Some states have even declared Election Day a civic holiday, while employers increasingly allow their employees time off to exercise their right to vote. This article will delve into the intricacies of Election Day, from key dates and deadlines to the voter registration process, voting methods, and the measures in place to ensure the integrity and accessibility of elections for all registered voters, including voters with disabilities. We will also explore the role of campaign finance, primaries, and the election cycle in shaping the political landscape, as well as the significance of elected officials, such as the Secretary of State, in overseeing the electoral process.

Historical Context

The history of US elections spans centuries, with significant milestones shaping the democratic process. In the early days, voting was conducted through open-air "voice votes" or paper ballots, which evolved into partisan pre-printed fliers by the mid-19th century. The Australian paper ballot, introduced in 1888, listed all candidates and was handed to voters at polling places. This system was later rendered in steel with the invention of the lever-operated "Automatic Booth" voting machine, which dominated American elections from 1910 through 1980.

Throughout history, various amendments and acts have expanded voting rights and addressed discriminatory practices:

• The 15th Amendment (1870) gave African-American men the right to vote.
• The 19th Amendment (1920) guaranteed the right to vote to all American women.
• The Voting Rights Act of 1965 enforced the 15th Amendment and outlawed discriminatory voting practices, such as poll taxes and literacy tests.
• The 26th Amendment (1971) lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.

Despite these advancements, the history of US elections has been marked by systematic disenfranchisement of marginalized communities. Tactics such as purging voter rolls, limiting polling sites, and gerrymandering continue to restrict and undermine the voting rights of particular groups, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), people with disabilities, and students.

The role of polling in elections has also evolved considerably since the inaugural issue of Public Opinion Quarterly in 1936. George Gallup's quota-controlled survey correctly predicted the election outcome over the Literary Digest's straw poll, marking the beginning of scientific polling in US elections. The number of trial heat polls has increased dramatically, with an estimated 975 trial heat questions and over a million interviews conducted between Labor Day and Election Day in the 2008 election alone. As polling methods continue to advance, their impact on electoral behavior and our understanding of it remains vital to the democratic process.

Key Dates and Deadlines

The next presidential election in the United States is scheduled for November 5, 2024, with the two main parties being the Democrats and the Republicans [15]. The presidential election cycle includes several key milestones [4]:

1. Candidates register with the Federal Election Commission to run for president
2. Candidates announce their intentions to run
3. Primary and caucus debates are held
4. States and parties hold presidential primaries and caucuses
5. Parties hold nominating conventions
6. Candidates participate in presidential debates
7. Election Day takes place
8. Electors cast their votes for president in the Electoral College
9. Congress counts the electoral votes
10. The presidential inauguration is held

Other important dates and deadlines for the 2024 election cycle include:

• National Poll Worker Recruitment Day: August 1, 2024 [6]
• Primary Election: Tuesday, March 5, 2024 [23][22]
• • First day to file for a place on the Primary ballot for precinct chair candidates: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 [23]
  • Filing deadline for primary candidates; filing deadline for independent candidates to file declaration of intent: Monday, December 11, 2023 at 6:00 PM [23]
  • Last Day to Register to Vote: Monday, February 5, 2024 [23]
  • First Day of Early Voting: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 [23]
  • Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (Received, not Postmarked): Friday, February 23, 2024 [23]
  • Last Day of Early Voting: Friday, March 1, 2024 [23]
• General Election: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 [24]
• • Deadline for Issuing and Sending Certificates of Ascertainment: By December 11, 2024 [24]
  • Electors Vote: December 17, 2024 [24]
  • Electoral Votes Must Arrive: By December 25, 2024 [24]
  • Archivist Transfers Certificates to Congress: On or before January 3, 2025 [24]
  • Congress Counts Electoral Votes: January 6, 2025 [24]
  • Inauguration: January 20, 2025, at Noon [24]

The Federal Election Commission provides a list of primary dates and ballot access dates for those running for President, Senate, and House [19]. Users can look up contributions from specific individuals and find information about all data, raising, spending, loans and debts, filings and reports, candidates, committees, bulk data, and campaign finance statistics [19]. Voter registration deadlines vary by state and territory, and it's important to check your registration status before the state's deadline [20]. The EAC provides a resource to find key dates and voting information about federal elections in all states and territories [21].

Voter Registration Process

Voter registration is a crucial step in the electoral process, ensuring that eligible citizens can exercise their right to vote. In all states except North Dakota, voter registration is required before participating in an election [5]. The process provides notifications about elections, candidates, and polling locations, and allows citizens to be recognized as potential constituents by candidates [5].

To register to vote in US Elections, citizens can:

1. Visit vote.gov and select their state or territory [30].
2. Register online, by mail, or in person at their local election office, depending on the state's rules [30].
3. Download the National Mail Voter Registration Form, fill it out, sign it, and mail it to the location listed for their state [30].
4. Check with local government offices to see if they can register in person [30].

U.S. citizens aged 18 or older are eligible to register and vote, although states have the authority to set additional qualifications, such as residency requirements or felon disenfranchisement laws [5]. The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1994 requires states to provide voter registration at local DMVs, public assistance offices, and other state-designated agencies [5]. Several states have implemented automatic voter registration (AVR), automatically registering citizens upon submission of documentation determining their eligibility [5].

Most states require citizens to have resided within the state and submitted a voter registration form at least 30 days before the date of the election, although deadlines may vary depending on the registration method [5]. Some states offer same-day registration, allowing citizens to both register and vote on Election Day or during an early voting period [5]. Federal law requires first-time voters to show identification when they vote on Election Day if they did not register in person and did not show ID when they registered [29].

Voting Methods

Voters in the United States have several options for casting their ballots, depending on their state's laws and regulations. The most common methods include:

1. In-Person Voting: Voters cast their ballots at designated polling places on Election Day. Each voter selects one candidate, and the candidate with the most votes wins [31]. Polling places are equipped with ADA-accessible voting machines, featuring audio functions with headsets and Braille keypads, zoom-in large-print features, sip-and-puff devices, and two-switch paddle devices to accommodate voters with disabilities [35].
2. Absentee and Mail-In Voting: Absentee and mail voting allow voters to cast their ballots via absentee ballots, depending on state law [31]. Some states require a valid excuse for absentee voting, while others have adopted universal mail-in voting, automatically sending ballots to all registered voters.
3. Early Voting: 33 states and Washington, D.C. allow early voting with no excuse required [31]. Early voting periods vary by state and may include weekends and evenings to accommodate diverse schedules.
4. Ranked Choice Voting (RCV): In this system, voters rank candidates in order of preference [37]. If no candidate receives a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed to the remaining candidates based on the second choices of the voters [37]. This process continues until a candidate receives a majority [37].
5. Approval Voting: Voters can approve any number of candidates [36], and the most approved candidate wins [36]. This method is useful for elections with multiple candidates vying for a single position.
6. Proportional Representation: A proportional voting system designed to achieve proportional representation through ranked voting in multi-seat organizations or constituencies [36]. This method allows votes to be cast for individual candidates rather than for parties and party machine-controlled party lists [36].
7. Cumulative Voting: Each shareholder is entitled to one vote per share multiplied by the number of directors to be elected [36]. This method is useful for corporate board of directors elections where votes can be weighted depending on the shareholder's importance or investment within the organization [36].

The evolution of voting technology has led to the adoption of various systems, such as:

• Optical Scan Paper Ballot Systems: Voters mark their votes by filling in an oval, box, or similar shape on a paper ballot [38]. The paper ballots are then scanned either at the polling place or at a central location [38].
• Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) Systems: These systems employ computers that record votes directly into the computers' memory [14]. The voter's choices are stored by the computer on a cartridge or hard drive [14]. Some DRE systems are also equipped with Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) printers, which produce paper records that can be preserved for tabulation in case of an audit or recount [14].
• Ballot Marking Devices (BMDs): BMDs allow for the electronic presentation of a ballot, electronic selection of valid contest options, and the production of a human-readable paper ballot [36]. Initially used primarily to accommodate voters with disabilities, BMDs are now used by all voters in some locations [14].

To ensure the integrity and security of the voting process, election officials implement various measures, such as:

• Robust safeguards to protect against tampering with ballots returned via drop boxes, including heavy-grade metal construction, locks, tamper-evident seals, minimally sized ballot insertion slots, and fire and water-damage prevention features [32].
• Testing and certification of voting system hardware and software by federal and state authorities to ensure functionality and compliance with standards for accuracy, privacy, and accessibility [32].
• Frequent retrieval of ballots from drop boxes by election officials or designated individuals, often in bi-partisan teams [32].
• Public testing of automatic vote tabulating equipment to ensure accurate vote counting [34].
• Requirements for electronic voting systems to be incapable of connecting to the internet and to include proof of certification by the United States Election Assistance Commission and approval from the Secretary of State [34].

Identification Requirements

Voter identification requirements vary by state, with each state setting its own rules for what forms of identification are acceptable at the polls on Election Day [29]. While some states do not require voters to present any form of identification, others have strict requirements in place:

• 34 states require voters to present identification at the polls, with 23 of these states requiring a photo ID and 11 accepting other forms of identification [40].
• Commonly accepted forms of photo ID include [40][41]:
• 1. Driver's licenses
  2. State-issued identification cards
  3. Military identification cards
  4. Passports
• Non-photo IDs that may be accepted in certain states include [29][40][41]:
• • Current utility bills
  • Bank statements
  • Government checks
  • Paychecks
  • Government-issued documents showing the voter's name and address
  • Voter registration cards
  • Birth certificates
  • Social Security cards

In states with strict voter ID laws, voters without acceptable identification may be required to vote on a provisional ballot and take additional steps for their vote to be counted [41]. However, some states offer exceptions for certain individuals, such as those with religious objections to being photographed, those who are indigent, or victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking who have a 'confidential listing' [41]. Even if a voter does not have the form of ID requested by their state, they may still be able to vote by signing a form affirming their identity or casting a provisional ballot [29].

It is essential for voters to familiarize themselves with their state's specific voter ID requirements, as well as other important aspects of voting on Election Day, such as finding their polling place and using voter guides and sample ballots [39]. Voters should also notify their local registration office of any name changes, as some states require this information to be updated prior to voting [29].

Poll Worker Recruitment

The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) encourages citizens to sign up as poll workers to ensure voters receive assistance and have a positive voting experience on Election Day [6]. While specific duties and compensation vary by location, most jurisdictions task election workers with setting up and preparing the polling location, welcoming voters, verifying voter registrations, issuing ballots, and demonstrating how to use voting equipment [6]. The EAC provides resources for potential poll workers, including:

• A lookup tool to find information on requirements, hours, pay, training, and more [6]
• A Poll Worker Preparedness Checklist to assist poll workers as they prepare for Election Day [6]
• A State Compendium of Election Worker Laws and Statutes to help poll workers determine their eligibility [6]

Recruiting poll workers is a significant challenge due to the complexity of the job, which requires knowledge of election laws, communication skills, organization, a good temperament, facility with new technologies, and physical stamina [42]. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this challenge, causing many veteran poll workers to step away from volunteering in 2020 due to health concerns [42][43]. Inadequate pay, partisan balance requirements, and recent harassment have also narrowed the field of potential applicants [43].

To address these challenges, several states have taken steps to increase poll worker recruitment and retention:

1. Six states have recently raised poll worker pay using state funding: Alabama, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Oklahoma [43].
2. Alabama and New Hampshire have begun allowing poll workers to serve outside of their voting precincts [43].
3. Ten states have passed legislation to protect poll workers from harassment and intimidation: California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Vermont [43].
4. Recruiting young poll workers (25 years and younger) has been a focus of policymakers and election administrators, as they bring benefits such as comfort with new technology, enthusiasm, and potential to create lifelong voters [7].

Polling Locations and Accessibility

To ensure that all eligible voters can exercise their right to vote, polling locations must be accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This includes providing:

1. Accessible Parking: Van accessible parking spaces should be clearly labeled and located on the nearest route to the accessible poll site entrance. If a polling place does not have a designated van accessible space, temporary signs can be used during the election period.
2. Accessible Routes: An accessible route from the parking area, passenger drop-off sites, sidewalks, and public transportation stops to the entrance of the voting facility should be provided. The route must be at least 36 inches wide.
3. Accessible Voting Machines: The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) requires each polling place to have at least one working voting machine for voters with disabilities. These machines should be accessible to voters with visual impairments and have features such as audio ballots and sip-and-puff devices. An ADA accessible voting machine will be available at each early voting location and Election Day polling place, allowing voters with disabilities to use an audio function with headset and Braille keypad, zoom-in large-print feature, sip-and-puff device, and a two-switch paddle device [35].

Election officials and staff should also be trained to understand their obligations under the ADA. Organizations such as ADA Centers and Protection and Advocacy Systems offer training to ensure that polling places are accessible and that protruding objects, such as fire extinguishers or water fountains, are properly marked to prevent hazards to voters with limited vision. The content suggests placing a cone, chair, or other item directly underneath the object to ensure safe navigation.

Security Measures and Integrity

The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) sets voluntary standards for states in areas including voting systems, independently verifying that these systems comply with functional capabilities, accessibility, and security requirements [44]. While security measures may vary based on state law and the voting system in use, each state enacts laws, regulations, and security policies to protect the integrity of elections [44]. States may require election officials to use EAC-certified voting systems or systems tested and certified by the state [44].

Over 10,000 election officials directly oversee the voting process in their states and communities [44], implementing various security measures such as:

1. Purchasing tested and certified voting systems [44]
2. Programming all devices according to local laws and regulations [44]
3. Testing the accuracy of voting equipment before elections and allowing the public to attend [44]
4. Verifying the total number of voted ballots matches the total number of voters [44]
5. Auditing the ballots to ensure that the voting equipment counted votes accurately [44]
6. Maintaining a strict chain of custody, verified by at least two witnesses (often from bipartisan teams) [44]
7. Using locks, tamper-evident seals, security cameras, system testing before and after elections, audits, and physical and cybersecurity access controls [44]
8. Keeping dedicated computers in a location with restricted access, never connecting them to the internet, and providing unique logins, strong passwords, and access to the minimum functions needed to perform duties [44]
9. Routinely reviewing audit logs and validating software has not been modified [44]
10. Using teams of two individuals (preferably bipartisan) to program voting equipment, verify chain of custody information, and test equipment [44]
11. Restricting access to equipment and storing it in an area with locked or key card only access or in locked and sealed containers with video surveillance [44]
12. Documenting the movement and control of equipment throughout its lifecycle [44]

Additional security measures include [32][33][34]:

• Verifying seals and locks on every piece of voting equipment and looking for evidence of tampering
• Tracking who has voted in poll books to prevent voting by unauthorized persons or double voting
• Keeping paper ballots in locked containers with tamper-evident seals to maintain integrity for post-election audits or recounts
• Sharing unofficial election results from a secure location that limits public access, while allowing people to observe the counting process
• Using back-ups of election results run on a regular schedule to recover data quickly and restore it if needed
• Monitoring computer networks looking for signs of irregularities to prevent tampering with election results reporting websites
• Retaining ballots and other election-related material for 22 months after a federal election, as required by federal law
• Conducting post-election audits (PEAs) in at least 86% of states to ensure that results are accurate and that outcomes are correct
• Investigating and prosecuting perpetrators of election fraud and voter intimidation, who face jail times and hefty fines

Despite these measures, aging voting infrastructure leaves the U.S. election system vulnerable to attack and causes long lines that keep some people from casting a ballot [45]. Most states use electronic voting and tabulation systems that are at least a decade old, and many are no longer even manufactured [45]. Registration databases are similarly antiquated, frequently running on unsupported software [45]. Every election, poor ballot design and malfunctioning machines lead to confusion, long lines at the polls, and lost votes [45]. In addition to foreign cyberattacks and influence campaigns, dangers such as intimidation of election workers and conspiracy theorists assuming election administration positions now put U.S. democracy at risk [45]. Federal, state, and local officials must work together to safeguard the democratic process [45].

Conclusion

As we have explored throughout this comprehensive guide, Election Day in the United States is a multifaceted event that requires the dedication and vigilance of countless individuals, from election officials and poll workers to the voters themselves. The historical context, key dates and deadlines, voter registration process, voting methods, and security measures all play crucial roles in ensuring the integrity and accessibility of our democratic process. It is through the tireless efforts of those involved that we can continue to uphold the fundamental right to vote for all eligible citizens.

Looking ahead, it is essential that we remain committed to preserving and improving our electoral system. This includes investing in modern, secure voting infrastructure, recruiting and training a diverse pool of poll workers, and educating voters on their rights and responsibilities. By working together to address the challenges facing our elections, we can strengthen our democracy and ensure that every voice is heard at the ballot box.

FAQs

What does the US Constitution stipulate regarding the scheduling of elections?
The US Constitution, specifically in Section 4 of Article I, states that the individual state legislatures are responsible for determining the times, places, and manner of holding elections for Senators and Representatives. However, Congress retains the authority to change these regulations at any time through legislation, with the exception of altering the locations where Senators are elected.