| Thank you, Erik David Barton in Hanging Rock Park, NC, for this week's cover image! |
This Tuesday—November 3—is Election Day in the United States.
In the U.S., we hold our elections on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Have you ever wondered why?
In the 18th and 19th centuries, most Americans worked the land; ours was an agrarian society, and the beginning of November was when the busy farming season wound down. Weather was also a consideration: The harshness of winter was usually still a few weeks out.
But why Tuesday? Most farmers attended church on Sundays and went to market on Wednesdays. Tuesdays were ideal because if travel were needed to get to the nearest polling place, this could happen on Monday.
Of course, what was once sound logic just doesn’t make a lot of sense today. In our modern society, most people work on Tuesdays, especially during the middle of the day. In recent years, there have been calls to shift elections to a weekend or even to make Election Day a federal holiday, although even these solutions could still disenfranchise those working in the service industry. Thankfully, most people can vote by mail, at polls through early voting, or in the morning or evening on Election Day.
Of course, this year, things have been made even more complicated by ongoing pandemic concerns. However you plan to vote, be patient and stay safe!
Learn about Election Day Cake—a delicious way to celebrate!—as well as other Election Day trivia that you’ll be sure to vote for, here.
Early this morning, Daylight Saving Time ended. Have you set your clocks back yet? Like the calls to change Election Day, there has been plenty of noise from folks who would like to see Daylight Saving Time remain permanent!
If you don’t feel like yourself after a time change, here are five easy tips to help you adjust.
Finally, the days might be getting cooler and the nights longer, but it’s possible to extend the flavors of summer into the fall and winter by sealing them away in little jars of sweet, fruity goodness. Learn how with these 7 Easy Jelly Recipes!
As sure as the Sun will rise and set each day, The Old Farmer’s Almanac is here for you, now and always.
Your Friends from The Old Farmer’s Almanac |
