Why Nova Scotia's elections are held on Tuesdays

Since 1953, there have been 19 general elections in Nova Scotia (including this one) and all have been held on a Tuesday.

But why?

The easy answer is that's what the Elections Act dictates, but it's a little more complicated than that.

For the 21 general elections held between 1867 and 1949, elections were held on all days of the week, except for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

On Jan. 27, 1961, the royal commission on provincial elections issued a report that recommended elections be held on Tuesdays.

• Find all of CBC Nova Scotia's election coverage here

It isn't clear what prompted the royal commission, but the report said having a fixed date would simplify the logistics of running an election.

"It is possible to calculate, even within the statute, the days and times when various acts and events including enumeration, revision and advance poll can be held so that they will not conflict with Sunday," said the report.

"This is extremely important and necessary when an election is being run on a minimum schedule."

Avoiding holidays

While federal elections are required to happen on Mondays, the report recommended Tuesdays as many holidays fall on Monday "by statute and custom."

The report also suggested Tuesdays was a good date for reasons of consistency.

"During recent years, Tuesday has been the day most frequently chosen by the Governor in Council for polling day in our general elections," it said.

On April 13, 1962, Bill 8, which contained the new provision on a fixed polling day, was passed without debate and received royal assent.