Why is election day always the first Tuesday in November?

Answer by  Imogen (165)

This was laid down by an Act of Congress in 1845. The date is actually the first Tuesday after after the first Monday in November (so if the 1st fell on a Tuesday, the election would be held on the 8th. ) This time of year was originally chosen because, by early November the harvest would be safely gathered. )

Answer by  npatin44 (258)

This is a holdover from the pre-car era when it might take someone a day or two to travel to a polling station. The first Tuesday in November would take place after the harvest was completed and would provide voters plenty of time after Sunday Church services.