Why is Election Day on Tuesday?

Did you ever wonder why Election Day is held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November? You may be surprised to learn the weather played a role in establishing this date. An official Election Day was declared in 1845, when most Americans worked in agriculture. By early November, the growing season had ended which gave farmers time to vote. Also, many local roads were still clear of snow. Since people went to church on Sunday and then needed a day to travel to their county seat, Tuesday was left as the day to vote. Who would have guessed the weather influenced the date of Election Day?