Date, timings and facts: All you need to know about US presidential polls

America goes to poll on Tuesday, and the fanfare revolves around the two presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.  As you seal the date postulating on who will become the next US president, we bring you interesting facts about the process to elect the 'most powerful man' in the world. 

Why US election is held in November only?
US  polls are always held in November and it has more to do with the weather, harvests and worship . The United State of America was an agrarian society.  And the month of November was chosen as it falls nicely between the harvest time and the brutal winter weather.

Why the polls take place on Tuesday?
The US presidential election is held on Tuesday following the first Monday in November. It can fall on or between November 2 and November 8.  (When?)Voters used to travel to the polls by horse, Tuesday was an ideal day because it allows people to worship on Sunday, ride to their county seat on Monday and vote on Tuesday- all before market day, Wednesday.

Also Read: 45 Americans who 'defined' US presidential elections 2016

New poll puts Hillary Clinton comfortably ahead of Donald Trump on eve of US presidential elections

Why the US goes to poll on even-numbered year?
Another interesting fact about the presidential election is that the voting  polls are held only in even-numbered years. In simple words, the elections are held every four years. Elections for the House of Representatives and the US Senate are held every two years. The representatives serve a two-year term while the senators serve a six-year term.

Why do Republicans have an elephant and Democrats have a donkey as party symbol?
You may call it a vision or creativity of cartoonist Thomas Nast, who in 1874,  used an elephant to depict the Republican vote in his drawing  'The Third-Term Panic'. The cartoon was rejected to publish by New York Herald, as they reportedly criticised the notion of Republican president Ulysses S Grant running for a third term. Therefore, 'The Third-Time Panic’ was published by Harper's Weekly. Likewise, Democrat Andrew Jackson can be given credit for party’s 'donkey’ symbol.  In 1828, critics called Thomas Nast a "jackass" because of his populist views and his slogan, "Let the people rule." Jackson decided to run with it -- even using images of a donkey in his campaign ads. Later, Nast also used a donkey to depict the Democratic Party. 

Presidents have to wait until January 20 to assume office
Until 1937, the swearing-in ceremony for the US president used to be held in March, as it took long to count and report ballots. But with the advent of technology, and the 20th Amendment, the new office is assumed by noon on January 20.

Important timing

• US Elections will be held on November, 8th, Tuesday.
• The voting is expected to open between 6 am to 7 am and close at around 7 pm to 8 pm in most of the areas. 
• It may continue till 9 pm in Iowa and North Dakota.