IMPROVING DEMOCRACY: CHANGES IN ELECTION PRACTICES AND ELECTION DAY(S) Prepared by West Babylon High School Students, Kelly Weisenseel, Lili Chasen (Teacher: Mr. Phil Armato) This Issue-in-Brief is part of 2010 Renew New York, sponsored jointly by Hofstra University, Newsday, and Cablevision. See Renew New York website at http://renew-newyork.com. Students from 10 high schools used the model of the National Issues Forums in preparing briefs and forums. Hofstra coordinators: Michael D’Innocenzo, Andrea S. Libresco and Bernard Stein (in association with the Hofstra University Center for Civic Engagement, interns: Kayla Rivara and Samantha Rashid)
Introduction The Story Behind Tuesday: Have you ever wondered why Election Day is held on a Tuesday in November? Does the concept even make sense when you seriously think about it?
Election Day is a pressing issue
concerning our state and federal government, and due to the low voter turn out on all levels of government, it is evident that Election Reform is needed.
In 1845 the United States Congress decided that Tuesday would be the most convenient day for Americans to vote. This was due to the largely agrarian society (npr.org). Because of the limitations of travel (horse and buggy) and the desire of Americans not to miss the Sabbath day,
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