Greetings to the Holy People of God,
Why do we vote on Tuesday? It’s a tradition that reminds us of our history. Before 1845, election days varied by state but then a law was passed to set a single election day for the election of the President of the United States and not long after it applied to congressional elections as well. At that time the majority labor force consisted of farmers. So early November was chosen because harvest was over but the weather was still mild.
So why Tuesday? Two days were out of the question. Sundays and Wednesdays because most Americans were Christians and observed a day of rest and worship on Sunday. Wednesday was market day, when farmers sold their crops in town. With horse and buggy, travel took time. So Monday for travel and voting on Tuesday.
Election day is set for the first Tuesday after the first Monday to avoid election day from falling on November 1, All Saints Day as well as giving merchants time to settle their books from the previous month.
Tuesday was chosen out of the context of the time. Now less than 2% of Americans farm and many people work on Tuesdays throughout the year, a new context is arising. (material sourced from Britannical.com)
Now we have many opportunities to vote besides Tuesday with satellite voting at libraries and mail in voting. So even if you have already voted or will be voting on Tuesday, here is a prayer from ELCA Worship Resources.
Everlasting God,
source of all liberty, before whom every earthly ruler must bow and bend the knee, we lay our nation before you as we prepare for an election. Breathe upon us your Spirit of wisdom and discernment.
Grant all who seek public office the mind of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life for the freedom of the oppressed. Hold before us those who face uncertain futures, or who have no voice in our political process.
Uphold and safeguard poll workers and election officials in their work. Spare us from the crushing weight of cynicism. Give us grace to speak courageously, but with love, without which our words are noise and we are nothing.
Gather us together under the cross, where, in all of our difference, we can stand as one people, redeemed in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Whatever day we vote on, we can give thanks to God for this opportunity to participate in the community of this nation with all neighbors near and far.
Bold Inquisitive Belief Loving Expansively,
Pastor Connie Spitzack
