US election 2024
Why the USA always votes on Tuesdays – every two years
Not on the Lord’s Day, after the harvest, but before winter: 180 years ago, the US Congress decided by exclusion when the president should be elected.
Germany votes on Sunday, Great Britain on Thursday and the USA on a Tuesday. More precisely: on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Americans have stuck to this strict and reliable schedule for 180 years. But why does the vote on the presidency fall on this unusual date?
Harris or Trump? The results of the 2024 US election can be read here.
US election – after the harvest, before winter
The US Congress set the date in 1845. At that time, the MPs followed the exclusion process: Sunday was excluded as the Lord’s Day, Saturday as market day, and Thursday because the British, who were hated at the time, had election day on that day.
It was also important that the vote should take place after the harvest, but not in winter. For understandable reasons: because of the weather and the sometimes long distances that had to be covered back then to the ballot box. That’s why Monday was canceled as the arrival day. So only Tuesday remained.
You can find all current developments in our live ticker for the 2024 US election.
Fates are decided on Super Tuesday
Around 30 years later, Tuesday was also set as election day for the House of Representatives and then in 1915 for the vote for the Senate, the second chamber of the US Congress. The gubernatorial elections are now also taking place on that day of the week.
Election Day has now even become a household word in the news: “Super Tuesday.” This is the day in the primary election campaign when voting takes place in many states at once. In most cases, the candidates then know whether they still have a chance of being elected later in the fall.
Elections are held in the USA every two years
By the way, pre-election Tuesdays and election Tuesdays occur every two years. Because Americans have to go to the polls every 24 months. Then all members of the House of Representatives will be reappointed, as will around a third of all Senate seats. So again this year. In addition, eleven states are re-electing their local governments. To get all the important information about the US electoral system, read our article about the electoral system for the 2024 US election. We also give an overview of what you need to know about the 2024 US presidential election.
Sources:DPA, Reuters
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
