Why is the U.S. presidential election on the first Tuesday of November?
Nov 05, 2024
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Why did they set Tuesday as an election day.
This is due to the social environment of the United States in the 1800s.
Previously, states in the United States used to hold elections whenever they wanted within 34 days before the first Wednesday of December.
However, Congress set out to standardize the procedure in 1845 because the states that voted first were able to influence public opinion and influence turnout.
At the time, about 75% of Americans worked on farms in rural areas far from polling stations.
This is in stark contrast to the way the population is distributed in the United States today. Currently, only 14% of the population lives in rural counties.
At the time, most Americans lived far away from polling stations, so Congress considered a day or two for voters to and from polling stations.
Religion also had an impact. The weekend didn't have an election effect because most people attended church on Sunday.
Wednesday was not ideal, as it was a market day for farmers to travel to the nearest town to sell produce, meat and eggs.
In the end, Tuesday was chosen as the most convenient day to hold elections, and in 1845 Congress passed a law that stipulated that the first Tuesday following the first Monday of November was election day.
But why is it November?
This is also due to the agricultural-oriented labor situation.
Spring and early summer were sowing season, and late summer and early autumn were busy harvesting crops.
At that time, the cold winter was not suitable due to road and traffic conditions.
So, November, right after the autumn harvest, was chosen as the best time for the election.
bellho@sportschosun.com
