Dimpled Chad Day

Dimpled Chad Day is observed on January 4, commemorating one of the most talked-about events in American political history—the 2000 presidential election. Anyone who followed the vote count and the controversy surrounding it will never forget the term “dimpled chad.” A “chad” is a small piece of paper punched from a ballot to record a vote—but that year, the voting process was far from straightforward.

History

The presidential election took place on November 7, 2000, with Al Gore and George W. Bush vying for the White House. Early projections showed Gore ahead by just 540 votes. However, the final result hinged on Florida, whose vote count was delayed due to mechanical issues with punch-card voting machines.

Initially, Florida announced a win for Gore, but the results were quickly overturned, showing Bush in the lead. The vote was then recounted by hand, leading to national controversy over “dimpled chads”—ballots that weren’t cleanly punched. The Democrats contested the outcome, demanding a second recount, which ultimately ended up in the Supreme Court. In the end, the Court ruled in favor of Bush, and he became President.

Interesting Facts

Did you know:

• Donald Trump is the only presidential candidate that nearly all Americans recognized by name;
• Zachary Taylor popularized the term “First Lady” for the president’s spouse;
• Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter Alice was famous for her rebelliousness—she smoked on the White House roof and defied social conventions;
• Harry Truman refused to be photographed with Dumbo the elephant, the Republican Party’s symbol;
• Bill Clinton only sent two emails during his presidency;
• Barack Obama once had insurance against crocodile attacks.

How to Take Part

On Dimpled Chad Day, learn more about U.S. Presidents and the election process. Organize a debate party with friends or quiz each other on presidential trivia. Look up the date of the next election—and consider volunteering at a polling station to get involved!

When is Dimpled Chad Day in 2026?

Dimpled Chad Day is observed on January 4 each year.

Observations