11 saved#4,960 of 6,224

Dimpled Chad Day

Get ready to punch those chads and make your vote count on Dimpled Chad Day! Let's honor the importance of every vote and ensure fair elections.

Monday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEJanuary 4

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYCivics

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate one of the quirkiest holidays of the year – Dimpled Chad Day on January 4! This day is dedicated to those tiny dimples that appear on the surface of paper after a hole has been punched out. It may seem like a small and insignificant thing, but it has quite an interesting history. The term "dimpled chad" became popular during the controversial US presidential election in 2000, when these dimples played a crucial role in determining the winner. So let's give some love to those little holes and celebrate this fun and unique holiday!

TIMELINE

Dimpled Chad Day Timeline

Beginnings of Chad

In the 1960s, punch-card voting machines popularized "chad," the bits of paper punched out in the process.

Recognition of Dimpled Chad

By the 1980s, issues with incompletely punched chad -- now known as "dimpled chad" -- began to be recognized.

Florida Recount

During the 2000 U.S. Presidential Election, Florida's recount brought "dimpled chad" to the forefront of national attention.

Initiation of Dimpled Chad Day

In 2001, following the infamous Florida recount, Dimpled Chad Day was initiated as an informal, humorous holiday on January 4.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Dimpled Chad Day

Host a Chad-themed party

Invite your friends over for a party dedicated to celebrating Dimpled Chad Day! Decorate with dimpled chad-inspired decorations and serve dimpled chad-shaped snacks for a fun and unique celebration.

CREATE

Create a Dimpled Chad playlist

Put together a playlist of songs that have the word "chad" or references to dimpled chads in the lyrics. Play it at your party or listen to it throughout the day to get in the Dimpled Chad Day spirit.

DRESS

Dress up as Dimpled Chad

Get creative and dress up as Dimpled Chad for the day! Wear a suit with dimpled chad patterns, make a DIY dimpled chad headband, or even go all out with a full-on dimpled chad costume. Don't forget to take plenty of pictures!

Do a dimpled chad craft

Get creative and make a dimpled chad-inspired craft! This could be anything from a painting, to a sculpture, to a collage. Let your imagination run wild and have fun celebrating Dimpled Chad Day through art.

SPREAD

Spread awareness about dimpled chads

Use Dimpled Chad Day as an opportunity to educate others about the history and significance of dimpled chads. Share fun facts and trivia on social media or host a presentation at your local library or community center.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Dimpled Chad Day is Important

It promotes civic engagement and democracy

Dimpled Chad Day encourages people to reflect on their right to vote and the importance of fair elections. It also raises awareness about the different methods of voting and how every vote counts.

It's a unique holiday

Dimpled Chad Day is a holiday that celebrates the infamous “hanging chad” from the 2000 US presidential election. It may not be as well-known as other holidays, but its quirkiness makes it all the more special!

It commemorates an important event in history

The hanging chad became a symbol of controversy during the 2000 election, and ultimately led to a recount in Florida and a Supreme Court decision. Dimpled Chad Day serves as a reminder of this significant moment in American politics.