Glendora's Blog

It’s almost that time again. Voting day is right around the corner, and a new president is on the way. Next Tuesday, November 4, is the day that comes around every four years, where our nation collectively gives our input on who we feel is the best to lead our country. I have always wondered why this Tuesday in November was chosen, and today I finally decided to look into some of the history on it. Did you know that in 1845, Congress chose the date based on a compilation of cultural factors? They decided to hold this date in November because it was after the harvesting season was complete, but before the winter storms became a hindrance to their paths of communication. In addition, this also gave them plenty of time before the Electoral College met together. As for the actual decision of making it a Tuesday, the implications of an agrarian society made this the most logical day. Horse and buggy was the most common form of travel, and farmers needed a day to get to the county seat to vote, and a day to get back. Tuesday seemed to be the most logical day because it would not interfere with the rules of the Sabbath or the Wednesday market, both important highlights of the week at this time in history. Now, even though times and culture have changed drastically, it is still pretty neat to know that we have had this tradition of voting on the Tuesday after the first Monday in the month of November for over 150 years. So regardless of your political affiliation, your busy schedule, or your thought that your vote has no weight, make sure you get down to the polls next Tuesday and not only do your part as a voting citizen, but also exercise your right to vote and the freedom we have in this country.