2028 Presidential Election Countdown

Presidential Election 2028 records

How the date is fixed

Federal elections are held on “the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.” In presidential years voters choose electors who formally elect the president and vice president through the Electoral College.

Be ready to vote

Registration deadlines and rules vary by state and close weeks before Election Day. Check your registration early at vote.gov so you're ready when the day arrives.

Why a Tuesday in November? Blame the horse and buggy

The 1845 law was written for a nation of farmers who might ride a day or two to reach their polling place. Sunday was for church and Wednesday was market day, so Tuesday won. November fell after the harvest but before hard winter, and "after the first Monday" kept voting off November 1 — All Saints' Day, and the day merchants settled their books. The first single-day national vote followed on November 7, 1848 — the very same calendar date as 2028.

Getting ready long before the polls open

You don't have to wait until 2028 to prepare. Checking your registration at vote.gov takes a few minutes, and in some states deadlines close about a month before Election Day. Most states offer early in-person voting or mail ballots, each with its own request window, and the rules differ if you've moved, changed your name, or vote as a student or from overseas. Your state or local election office website is the authoritative source for polling places, hours and ID requirements.

Quick facts

• Tuesday, November 7, 2028
• Set by the 1845 “Tuesday after the first Monday” law
• Voters choose Electoral College electors
• Registration deadlines vary by state
• There are 538 electoral votes; 270 wins the presidency
• 1848 was the first election held nationwide on a single day