It was released by Parlophone Records in October 1985 and subsequently hit the Top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic, peaking at #6 in the US and #7 in the UK. The single reached the Top 5 in New Zealand and Ireland, but was especially popular in Italy, where it topped the chart for seven consecutive weeks. Along with the Arcadia members, "Election Day" features Grace Jones on vocals and speech segments.

When Smash Hits published the lyrics in their magazine, they published the complete lyric, which included a verse that was subsequently dropped from the released version of the song:

This additional verse was also included in the lyrics which were printed on the back of the sleeve of the Cryptic Cut No Voice release.

The dark and moody video — with Gothic imagery inspired by Jean Cocteau's 1946 film, La Belle et la Bête — was shot in and around Paris in late September 1985. It was directed by Roger Christian. There was a short cameo appearance by William S. Burroughs. A documentary film was made on the filming and production of the music video.

This was the first Duran Duran–related single to have more than one remix of the lead track, a feature that would continue on "Notorious" a year later.

There were a total of seven mixes of "Election Day":

Albums:

Singles:

Arcadia are:

Also credited:

"Election Day" is still popular with televised election coverage in the U.S.

On Duran Duran's 'Strange Behaviour' tour, they performed a medley of "Election Day" and the Power Station single, "Some Like It Hot".

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