America was predominantly an agrarian society in the 18th century. By November the harvest was done, but winter storms had not commenced, so farmers could participate in elections. Later the day was set for the first Tuesday following the first Monday of November because it didn’t interfere with Sunday church or Wednesday market days, with Monday being a travel day to the polls by horse and wagon.
Today, Election Day is a work day for most Americans, but businesses allow paid time off for employees to vote. Elections are held in even numbered years for federal offices, with presidential elections every four years and members of the House of Representatives and Senate every two years. House members serve two-year terms and all seats are voted upon each election. Senators serve six-year terms and one third of the Senate seats are up for election every two years.
A month celebrating American freedom. November has two dates on which it is appropriate to fly the American flag outside your home: Election Day and Veterans Day.
Here is how to do it properly.
- Flag kits are are sold at most hardware and home improvement stores. The kits include a mount that can be screwed into a wooden post or the siding of your home. A large flagpole requires digging a hole and pouring a cement foundation in which the pole is mounted. If you have a neighborhood homeowners association, check the regulations before mounting a pole.
- The American flag should be raised briskly after sunrise and lowered ceremoniously just before sunset unless a spotlight is available for display after dark. No other flag on the same pole should be above the American flag. When displayed horizontally against a wall or in a window, the blue field with stars, known as the union, should be in the top left corner from the observer’s standpoint. When hung vertically, the union should be in the top left position to the observer.
