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AM <br />ir. EVERY Vi <br />Election Day in the United States has occurred on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November <br />ever since President John Tyler signed an 1845 law establishing a specific voting day for the entire <br />country. [1] <br />The decision was made taking into account farmers, a large portion of the voting constituency at the <br />time, who would not have been able to travel to polling places in winter months or during planting or <br />harvest times. Sundays were for rest and worship, and on Wednesdays farmers typically sold their crops <br />at the market, making Tuesdays the best day of the week. [1] [2] <br />Over time, voting rights expanded from only white, male landowners age 21 and older to <br />include women and people of color, as well as citizens age 18 and up, resulting in a dramatic increase in <br />the voting -eligible population and a shift in voter demographics. In 1800, 83% of the American labor <br />force was agrarian, but today only 11% of total US employment is agriculture -related. [3] [4][5] <br />The United States currently has 11 national holidays, including New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s <br />Birthday, George Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor <br />Day, Columbus Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. [37] <br />