The timing of the U.S. presidential elections was a response to the widespread agricultural work that characterized the lives of a large proportion of Americans in the early years of the country. The seasonal work of farmers becomes most intensive between spring and fall each year — from the point at which the earth is prepared and crops are sown right through to harvest time. With so many Americans working hard during this period, legislators decided that calling an election at this time would be disruptive to working practices, or else the work in question would lead to a reduction in voter turnout. It goes without saying that the communication technology of the day was in its infancy, and for many rural Americans heading to a voting station was an arduous and time-consuming task.
However, it was also observed that holding elections in the middle of winter would also impact potential voters. Notably, weather conditions could make travel more difficult, dangerous, or — in the case of severe snowstorms — practically impossible. November therefore became the obvious choice for the country’s most important democratic process.
