Here’s why the US Presidential Election is always held on the first Tuesday in November

Despite modern challenges it poses for working individuals, this historic voting day continues to endure.

Election Day in the US falls on the first Tuesday in November, a tradition that dates back to the 1840s and has held firm for 170 years. While this timing may seem inconvenient today, it was chosen for practical reasons at the time.

Why November?

In the 1800s, most states opted for November elections, a period that came after the harvest but before the harsh winter weather. Early laws required electors to meet in December, meaning states had to vote within 34 days prior. November suited both the agricultural cycle and the legal framework.

Before the 1850s, scattered state election days didn’t pose significant issues because news traveled slowly. However, with the advent of railroads and the telegraph, election results spread quickly. To prevent voters from being influenced or voting multiple times in different states, Congress established a uniform election date.

In 1845, Congress designated the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November as Election Day. This timing avoided conflicts with All Saints' Day (November 1) and monthly bookkeeping practices. The first election under this law took place in 1848.

Why a Tuesday?

At that time, many voters had to travel to polling places in county seats. Traveling on Sunday was discouraged, making Monday a travel day and Tuesday the ideal day for voting. Today, however, many argue that this weekday voting tradition creates obstacles for modern workers.

Tradition Continues

In today’s world, voting on a Tuesday seems impractical, as many people struggle to take time off. While early voting and mail-in ballots have provided some relief, calls for more convenient voting days, such as weekends, persist. Nevertheless, the tradition of Tuesday voting continues.