ten things tuesday

 Ten things about voting and elections:

1. Election Day Cake: In colonial New England, women baked special cakes to encourage men to vote. These cakes were often filled with fruit and spices, and a slice was given to each voter.

2. Tuesday Tradition: Election Day is always the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This tradition dates back to 1845 when Congress chose this date to avoid conflicts with farming schedules and harsh winter weather.

3. Ballots and Balls: The word "ballot" comes from the Italian word "ballotta," meaning "small ball." In medieval Venice, people used colored or marked balls to cast their votes.

4. Presidential Qualifications: To run for president, you must be at least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years.

5. British Beginnings: The first seven U.S. presidents were born British subjects, as the United States didn't exist yet!

6. Unanimous Glory: George Washington was the only president ever elected unanimously.

7. Popular vs. Electoral: Four times in U.S. history, a candidate has won the popular vote but lost the election due to the Electoral College system.

8. Presidential Heights: Abraham Lincoln was the tallest president at 6 feet, 4 inches.

9. Left-Handed Leader: James Garfield was the first left-handed president.

10. Stepmom in the White House: Millard Fillmore was the first president to have a stepmother.