Fifteen Election Day Facts: From the 1845 Tuesday Rule to the 2000 Butterfly Ballot

In 1845, Congress designated Election Day as the Tuesday following the first Monday in November, a decision shaped by agricultural travel and trade. This date was later implemented for House elections in 1872. The presidency is decided by 538 electors, with a minimum of 270 votes required for victory; five elections (1824, 1876, 1888, 2000, 2016) resulted in the Electoral College winner losing the popular vote. Maine and Nebraska allocate electors proportionally, while most states use a winner-take-all system. A tie of 270 votes is resolved by the House as per the 12th Amendment. The 20th Amendment shifted Inauguration Day to January 20. Since 1961, Washington, D.C. has had electoral votes, while Puerto Ricans are excluded from voting in the general election. The 19th Amendment was ratified on August 18, 1920, followed by the 26th in 1971. The controversial butterfly ballot in Palm Beach County during the 2000 election affected Bush's margin in Florida. Polls are open for approximately six hours across the country.