Election Day

Election Day in the United States of America is the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. It can fall on or between November 2 and November 8. It is the day when popular ballots are held to select public officials. These include national, state and local government representatives at all levels up to the president.

Many people in the United States vote on Election Day.

©iStockphoto.com/Igor Smichkov

What do people do?

On Election Day, citizens of the United States of America can vote by popular ballot for candidates for public offices at local, state and national levels. In even numbered years, federal elections are always held. In years divisible by four, presidential elections are always held. Elections for local and state officials may be held in odd or even-numbered years, depending on local and state laws.
The way in which people vote, depends on the state in which they live. In Oregon, all votes are cast by post and all votes have to be received at a given time on Election Day. In the state of Washington, nearly all people vote by post and the envelopes containing the voting papers have to be postmarked with the date of Election Day. In other states, people vote at voting stations, where long queues can form.

Election Day Observances

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Weekday	Date	Year	Name	Holiday type	Where it is observed
Tue	Nov 3	1992	Election Day	Observance
Tue	Nov 5	1996	Election Day	Observance
Tue	Nov 7	2000	Election Day	Observance
Tue	Nov 2	2004	Election Day	Observance
Tue	Nov 4	2008	Election Day	Observance
Tue	Nov 4	2008	Election Day	State holiday	12 states
Tue	Nov 2	2010	Election Day	State holiday	12 states
Tue	Nov 6	2012	Election Day	Observance
Tue	Nov 6	2012	Election Day	State holiday	12 states
Tue	Nov 4	2014	Election Day	State holiday	12 states
Tue	Nov 8	2016	Election Day	Observance
Tue	Nov 8	2016	Election Day	State holiday	12 states
Tue	Nov 6	2018	Election Day	State holiday	12 states
Tue	Nov 3	2020	Election Day	Observance
Tue	Nov 3	2020	Election Day	State holiday	12 states

How to Pack a Carry On Suitcase

With the holidays coming upon us quickly, some of us will be traveling to see friends and relatives.  With all the extra fees that the airlines charge these days, this is a "how to" video you don't want to miss. 

Why not rent?

Homeownership is part of the American Dream.  We all want the big house, front yard with a picket fence and 2.5 kids.  But what you don't think about is all the responsibility and work being a homeowner affords.  Forget lounging on the couch on Saturday afternoon because you have to move the yard.  Job promotion moving you out of state?  Now you have to sell that house within a particular time frame.  Toilet backs up ... call the plumber $$$$$. 

When you live in an apartment you have freedom!  Freedom to spend your weekends hiking with friends or exploring the city.  Freedom to lounge by the pool that the community offers.  Freedom to move if needed and not have to worry about selling a house.  No property taxes ... did I mention that?

Here are some examples of why renting is the new owning.

Minute Makeover: A Stunning Apartment Living Area Transformation

Great tips for living in a small space ... but remember you may be charged for the paint if it is in the lease agreement, so check that first.  Happy decorating!

How to answer "what are your salary expectations?"

Pumpkin Carving at its BEST

Tired of the old standard triangle eyes and square nose pumpkins this Halloween?  Those are a thing of the past!  Nowadays they offer everything from stencils for kids to create a Barbie pumpkin, stencils for adults to make very intricate pumpkins and even accessories to put into the pumpkin vs carving it.  The options are endless. 

 

Check out some really cool ideas from this link.  Happy Halloween!!

Pumpkin Carving Ideas

Trick or Treating Safely!

If your kids are anything like mine the questions start before October even arrives.  What am I going to be for Halloween this year?  A pirate, a lion, a clown ... the options are endless.  The question that I am asking myself is how can we have fun trick or treating but yet still be safe.  Here are 7 tips on how you are your child can stay safe this Halloween.

 1. Plan a route in advance.

Trick-or-treating could take you several streets away from your house, which can cause sore legs and a bit of frustration. Stick to paths that you and your child are familiar with to avoid getting lost.

2. Wear comfy shoes.

Make sure you and your children are in comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Girls in dresses should avoid heels, and all shoelaces should be double-tied to avoid tripping in the dark.

3. Stay well-lit.

Apply reflective tape to your child’s costume to ensure they are seen by drivers on the road. Also, carry a flashlight with you to keep your child’s path lit at all times.

4. Make sure all costumes are short.

Long costumes that drag on the ground can be dangerous, especially at night.

5. Avoid masks.

Masks can make it difficult for your child to see or breathe. If possible, skip the mask altogether and use non-toxic make-up to complete the costume instead.

6. Use flexible props.

If your child’s costume won’t be complete without a weapon, make sure it is rubber or plastic. Choose a prop that won’t cause injury to your child or their friends.

 

7. Check your child’s candy.

When sorting through candy at the end of the night, be sure to throw away any candy that is not in its original wrapper, or looks as though it has been opened.  Some police stations also offer x-ray services on Halloween to check for items inside the candy. 

 

I'm sure if you follow these simple guidelines you and your child will have a SPOOKtacular Halloween!