Why Are U.S. Elections Held on Tuesdays?

The United States has a system of elections that form the basis of democracy and are used to select leaders, such as Congressional representatives, governors, and every four years, the President and Vice President. General elections occur on even-numbered years. 

Another unique aspect of U.S. elections is that there are also elections occurring between the general election dates referred to as early primaries; though these early primaries do not occur across every state in every cycle. 

Finally, on Election Day, millions of Americans will unite to vote for, and ultimately choose their political leaders through a series of steps that culminate in the official tally of votes to determine who will serve as elected representatives within the federal systems, as well as in their respective states.

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Why Are U.S. Elections Held on Tuesdays?

Source: PBS

U.S. federal elections are held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November due to a Congressional law passed in 1845 which designated a national uniform Election Day. At that time, as the majority of Americans were farmers, they required time to travel to their polling locations located far from their homes. 

The day Tuesday was selected as the election day since most people went to church on Sunday, allowing them to travel on Monday and return home to their families before going to the markets on Wednesday for the following week. 

The month of November was selected as the election month because most farmers had completed harvesting their crops before Thanksgiving and were able to travel during this time; it would be less difficult to navigate through the rural areas at this time than in cold winter months.

Therefore, it was the necessity that influenced the tradition of voting on Tuesday and it continues today although our society is much different than it was in the past.

Which Offices Are Elected During U.S. Elections?

The elections in the United States provide the opportunity for the citizenry to select their leaders at all levels of government; Federal, State, and Local.

In the Federal election, citizens will cast their ballot for the President and Vice President; every member of the House of Representatives and approximately one-third of the Senate.

At the State level, voters have the opportunity to elect the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and representatives in the State Legislature. There are some States that also allow voters to elect their State Judges.

At the Local level, voters can elect Mayors, City Council Members, School Board, Sheriffs and other Local officials. In some Local elections, voters can also have a direct say in the issues that affect their Community by voting on Ballot Measures and Referendums.

Conclusion 

Democratic processes in the United States through elections provide citizens in every state with a voice in selecting their elected officials from President to local government officials. Therefore every individual's vote contributes to the future path, governance and legislative direction of our country.