<P> The conventions have historically been held inside convention centers, but since the late 20th century both the Democratic and Republican parties have favored sports arenas and domed stadiums to accommodate the increasing attendance . </P> <P> Under the United States Constitution, the manner of choosing electors for the Electoral College is determined by each state's legislature . Although each state designates electors by popular vote, other methods are allowed . For instance, instead of having a popular vote, a number of states used to select presidential electors by a direct vote of the state legislature itself . </P> <P> However, federal law does specify that all electors must be selected on the same day, which is "the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November," i.e., a Tuesday no earlier than November 2 and no later than November 8 . Today, the states and the District of Columbia each conduct their own popular elections on Election Day to help determine their respective slate of electors . Thus, the presidential election is really an amalgamation of separate and simultaneous state elections instead of a single national election run by the federal government . </P> <P> Like any other election in the United States, the eligibility of an individual for voting is set out in the Constitution and regulated at state level . The Constitution states that suffrage cannot be denied on grounds of race or color, sex or age for citizens eighteen years or older . Beyond these basic qualifications, it is the responsibility of state legislatures to regulate voter eligibility . </P>

When is the popular vote for president done