US election Results

Why Are Elections Like Sausages? The Sizzling Secrets of US Election Day!

What do sausages and the US election have in common? Tune in for a fun breakdown of Election Day, its quirky traditions, and why your vote counts!

When it comes to US election day, one can’t help but ask: where are the sausages? While our delicious meaty delights might seem unrelated to the complex arena of politics, they embody a deeper saying about the relationship between democracy and its processes. Just like sausages are made, sometimes best kept out of view, the logistics of an election can be messy and convoluted—but oh, how very necessary they are! The buzz surrounding election day often leads people to wonder about familiar traditions and practices that come along with it— especially why it falls on a Tuesday and not, say, a weekend when we might have more time to vote.

Election day in the US is celebrated on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November; a rule that dates back to the 19th century. The Tuesday decision allowed rural Americans to travel to polling stations after the Sunday church service without interfering with market day, which was typically on Wednesday. But, we can't help but chuckle at the idea of people lugging their farmed goods to the polls—what a sight that must have been! And while we’re electing leaders, the question of whether to serve up some sausages alongside the ballots feels a tad...unorthodox yet strangely enticing!

In 2020, about two-thirds of eligible voters turned out for the presidential elections—proof that folks are willing to spice things up and engage in the democratic process. Voter turnout may vary across different countries, and one notable comparison can be drawn with Australia, where voting is compulsory and citizens must register to participate. This brings up a delightful notion that while we may associate the right to vote with freedom, countries like Australia have chosen to make civic involvement mandatory. Imagine if that trend caught on—'Vote or face the sausages!' now that would put the fear in any eligible voter!

In addition to making history, the elections shape our future, and it’s this very ethos of civic duty that fuels the fervor around voting. Did you know that the most number of voters recorded in a US presidential election was in 2020—a whopping 159 million people? Here’s another fun fact: the phrase “Laws are like sausages. It is better not to see them being made,” originally coined by Otto von Bismarck, reflects a truth applicable not just to legislation but also to electoral processes. So as we tuck into our sausages, we can also tuck into the idea that participation in democracy—messy as it can be, is worth every bite!