What significant change did Congress make regarding Election Day in 1872?

In 1872, Congress established a uniform National Election Day for federal elections, which was significant because it standardized the timing of elections across the nation. Prior to this change, each state could hold its elections on different days, leading to confusion and potential manipulation of the electoral process. The decision to create a national standard meant that all voters could participate on the same day, thereby enhancing the democratic process by increasing voter engagement and making the administration of elections more efficient.

This change was aimed at ensuring that federal elections, particularly for Congress, were held consistently, reducing complexities and allowing for better organizational planning both for voters and electoral officials. This move also reflected the growing importance of consistency in governance as the country was stabilizing after the Civil War and moving toward greater federal oversight.