Elections are usually held on Sundays in Latin America. Due to India's vast geographical spread, the voting process takes several weeks. Saturday is the day set for elections in the Middle East. But every four years in the United States, the presidential election is held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November.
On November 5 this year, Americans are once again voting in an election centered on the contest between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump. Despite the long tradition of voting in November, many do not know why this particular time was chosen.
This practice, which started in 1845, dates back to the middle of the 19th century. At that time, American society was mainly based on agriculture. Social, cultural and religious issues were important for the society of that time. Which influenced the timing of this poll.
At that time, most of the citizens of the United States were farmers. whose lives revolved around seasonal work, religious rituals and weekly markets. Yes, the main reason for this practice can be said to be the lifestyle of American farmers.
In those days, farmers used horse carts to go to the polling station. Which was almost a full day trip. Sundays were set aside for worship and Wednesdays were farmers' market days. A day in between these two days was most suitable for holding elections. Election day was set for Tuesday so voters could cast their votes easily, without religious or market disruptions.
Another reason for holding the election on the Tuesday following the first Monday of November was the first day of November. It is All Saints Day or Christian religious day. Tuesday is chosen so that no vote is taken on this day.
However, modern life no longer requires that travel or market. However, traditionally voting on Tuesdays still exists.
There were cultural and practical implications behind holding elections on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. Many traders used to complete their accounts on the first day of the month. Therefore holding elections after this date would not cause any disruption in business. Also, the month of November was chosen as election-friendly. Because it was the beginning of winter when the farming season was coming to an end.
Today, the influence of agriculture on American society is not what it used to be. Many are proposing that Election Day be moved to a weekend or declared a national holiday to increase voter turnout. Because many Americans find it difficult to come to vote on a weekday. However, these efforts were not successful. However, as early voting and mail-in voting options have increased, the importance of Election Day has diminished somewhat.
Source: TRT World
