Why US Votes For President On The First Tuesday In November
Millions of Americans will today, Tuesday, November 5th, cast their ballots for President, but why in early November?
The tradition dates back to the mid-1800s, when each state held its presidential election on a different date in the weeks leading up to December, when the Electoral College met.
In the United States, the Electoral College is the group of presidential electors that is formed every four years during the presidential election for the sole purpose of voting for the president and vice president.
According to Al Jazeera news reports, this system wasn't without its issues. Critics argued it was inefficient and could even influence results. For example, if a candidate did well in an early-voting state, it could sway voters in states that voted later.
To address these concerns, Congress passed a law in 1845 establishing a uniform national election day. The chosen date: "the Tuesday next after the first Monday in the month of November."
The date was chosen in consideration of America's agricultural roots. At the time, the majority of the population worked in agriculture. November offered a sweet spot—after the fall harvest was complete but before the harsh winter weather set in, allowing farmers time to travel to reach their polling places.
Tuesday was another strategic choice. Sundays were for church, and Wednesdays were typically market days when farmers sold their goods. Thursdays and Mondays were also out of the question, as they wouldn't offer enough travel time for rural voters. So, Tuesday it was!
Source: Al Jazeera
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