The first Election Day was held on the first Tuesday of November in 1845. The goal was to ensure a fair vote in a largely rural country.

November 5 - Observing Election Day with a clear schedule is a tradition the NBA plans to continue.

Discover the history behind why Americans vote on a Tuesday in November, a tradition dating back to 1845, and how it impacts modern Election Day logistics.

The U.S. norm of voting on a Tuesday in November dates back to 1845 and is thanks to farmers. The big picture: U.S. voting these days isn't confined to just Election Day, but results aren't shared on a rolling basis as was the case before the mid-19th century.

The unofficial results will be released on or shortly after election night, but certified results will take a bit longer.

The tradition of voting on a Tuesday in November dates back to the 1800s, influenced by religious practices and agricultural schedules.Fred Lokken, a political