pros and cons of making election day a national holiday

[26] Creating laws in all states that let people vote before or after work would be more effective than a national holiday, which would quickly be viewed as just another day off to enjoy. Holidays, law.cornell.edu (accessed Sep. 30, 2019), Matthew Haag, "Mitch McConnell Calls Push to Make Election Day a Holiday a Democratic Power Grab," nytimes.com, Jan. 31, 2019, Drew DeSilver, "U.S. Trails Most Developed Countries in Voter Turnout, pewresearch.org, May 21, 2018, Gustavo Lpez and Antonio Flores, "Dislike of Candidates or Campaign Issues Was Most Common Reason for Not Voting in 2016, pewresearch.org, June 1, 2017, Beau C. Tremitiere, "Election Day Should Be a National Holiday, cnbc.com, July 5, 2016, York Dispatch Editorial Board, "Editorial: On Voting, GOP Takes a Holiday from its Senses, yorkdispatch.com, Feb. 1, 2019, Tacey Rychter, "How Compulsory Voting Works: Australians Explain," nytimes.com, Nov. 5, 2018, Archon Fung and Jane Mansbridge, "Lets Vote, Party and Celebrate American Democracy on a New Holiday Called Citizen Day, usatoday.com, Oct. 26, 2018, Thomas MacMillan, "This Might Be the Best Idea for Turning out More Voters in U.S. Elections, nymag.com, July 8, 2017, Drew Desilver, "Weekday Elections Set the U.S. apart from Many Other Advanced Democracies, pewresearch.org, Nov. 6, 2018, Kathy Frankovic, "St. Patricks Day Not So Popular - Americans Would Rather Election Day a Holiday, today.yougov.com, Mar. Also, would a holiday mean limited public transit schedules, which might make it harder for some people to get to the polls? There is a simple and straightforward solution: make Election Day a national holiday so that people have the time and freedom to vote without taking time off from work. It is very, very hard to change core American traditions which Americans see not only as propping up their democracy but perpetuating its legitimacy, he said. Who wants more of the people who think professional wrestling is real or that 9/11 was an inside job to help pick the next president? To Feed His Ravenous Flock, Ron DeSantis Ignores the Real Problem With the Fed, The Flat Tax Revolution In State Capitals Is Thriving, Amazon Tax Subsidies Are Inefficient Job Creators, New Immigration Initiatives Promise Improvements In U.S. Migration From Southern Countries, Latest Biden Regulation Will Cause Massive Trouble For New Homebuyers, retired matadors and mathematical savants. People of color and low-income Americans already face barriers to vote, and making Election Day a national holiday may not help them. and our Whether the voter has to go to office or has an important meeting, they may not be able to find any excuse to miss the voting procedure if election day is declared as a national holiday. Making Election Day a national holiday will increase voter turnout by enabling more people to vote. The nature of a public holiday is that businesses close and workers are entitled Privacy Policy. Chicago, Illinois 60654 USA, Natalie Leppard Is there any veracity to what this dude is claiming? Promotion of new political ideas. [24] Holidays usually mean more work hours for retail workers, because stores run promotions and sales. If so, how? Overall, White adults are less likely to favor making Election Day a national holiday and automatically registering all eligible citizens to vote than are Black, Hispanic WDET is here to keep you informed onessential information, news and resources related to COVID-19. The United States currently has 10 national holidays, includingMemorial Day,Independence Day, andChristmas Day. [16]. Rationality and coherent argument are encouraged, whereas ideological flamewars are strongly discouraged. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. [6] Election Day could be made a holiday if a bill were passed by the House and Senate then signed into law by the president. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. ], ProCon.org, "Should Election Day Be a National Holiday?,", ProCon.org, "Should Election Day Be a National Holiday? Congress would shore up the peoples right to vote while guaranteeing the time to engage in this fundamental right. But experts say improving voter turnout is a complicated issue that no single silver bullet strategy can solve. [12], The idea that voting should be a celebration, not a chore is one argument for turning Election Day into a national holiday, according to Archon Fung, PhD, and Jane Mansbridge, PhD, professors at the Harvard Kennedy School. North Korea. But this arrangement began to raise concerns as travel and communication improved in the 19th century: Results from states that voted earlier could sway the outcome in states that voted later. When turnout is high, it becomes increasingly fruitless for politicians to play to their base in ways that allow a vocal minority to rule, which is how many American leaders currently operate. We get about 20-25% of our absentee ballots come in on Election Day, says Barton. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. South Korea and Israel hold theirs during the week, but have made the day a federal holiday. I believe Election Day should be a holiday so we can get our maximum participation, says Jacobs. Ralph Northam signed a bill on Sunday making Election Day a state holiday with the intention of making it easier for voters to cast their ballots in "Should Election Day Be a National Holiday?" Here are the proper bibliographic citations for this page according to four style manuals (in alphabetical order): [Editor's Note: The APA citation style requires double spacing within entries. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. There is one other option: move elections to Saturdays. Have you looked at who theyre voting for? [36]. Managing Editor We want parents to vote, not get stuck. A number of bills like the Weekend Voting Act have been proposed in Congress over the years, often by Democrats. Making weekday elections a holiday would align the U.S. with other countries. In California, for example, theres now permanent voting by mail(voters can also go on line, after theyve submitted their ballot, to see if theyve been processed). But other solutions would more reliably increase turnout. Under normal political circumstances, more Americans follow the race to the World Series than to the White House. So what are the odds of Election Day 2020 becoming a federal holiday (an idea Vermont Bernie Sanders was peddling back in 2015)? This Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. @TinaLBarton gave me some good insight that caused me to reconsider my bill that would have done just that. Election Day National Holiday Top 3 Pros and Cons - ProCon.org This article was published on October 1, 2020, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. Presidential Election History. ], ProCon.org, "Election Day National Holiday Top 3 Pros and Cons,", ProCon.org, "Election Day National Holiday Top 3 Pros and Cons. Political campaigns can help winning elections. Or we could use the Jumble ballot. Should the United States Use the Electoral College in Presidential Elections? Election Day in the United States is the Tuesday following the first Monday in November of an election year. Other solutions would more reliably Virginia Gov. 325 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 200 Move past the theatrics of the government shutdown, impeachment and the threat of investigations ad infinitumand theres the question of Democrat squad goals in a Pelosi-run House of Representatives. Copyright 2022 by WDET and Wayne State University. How to Become the US President. 1. After all, what do our veterans fight for, if not for democracy itself? Benson is dreaming big, and in doing so shes getting out in front of a lot of the conspiracy fueled calls for election reform from some Republicans. The types of workers least likely to reap the benefits of a federal holiday are those who already struggle to vote, Shineman noted. WebElection Day could be made a federal holiday if a bill were passed by the House and Senate then signed into law by the president. Lets get early in-person voting in place in Michigan, so that everyone has an opportunity that fits their schedule. Tuesday was chosen because it was most convenient for farmers traveling by horse and buggy at the time. [25], According to the AFL-CIO, 30 states require employers to allow employees time off for voting. People who work long shifts, juggle multiple jobs, Others have suggested making Veterans Day (Nov. 11), which is already a paid national holiday, Election Day. Bernie Sanders attempted to pass an Election Day holiday under the "Democracy Day Act" in 2018. Over 60 court cases reviewed the evidence and judgesappointed by both Republican and Democratic presidents alikereached the same conclusion: there was no compelling evidence of fraud. Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Mexico receive high voter turnout due to universal voting and time off. Effectiveness depends on the region. Adding in a new national holiday isnt necessarily without She says thats especially important right now with more voters casting absentee ballots. WebProCon.org - Pros and Cons of Controversial Issues Kneeling during National Anthem US Presidents on Money PROS AND CONS OF CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES PROCON.ORG HEADLINES - Our Issues in the News Are DACA and the DREAM Act Good for America? You may opt-out by. ProCon.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity. Try lower-wage earners at restaurants and stores enterprises that would look to cash in if the working class got an extra day off. Georgia had the 12th-highest turnout in the country in 2018, with 57% participation. But these days, Tuesdays are actually quite inconvenient for many Americans, particularly those who cant take time off work to cast their ballots a problem that disproportionately affects Black, Latino and lower-income voters. In Australia, where voting is mandatory, elections are celebrated with parties and barbecues, resulting in turnout rates around 90 percent. It is the duty of the state to make exercising this right as accesible as possible by making the election day a holiday. Election Day as a holiday is something that exists in other countries, but not in most places inthe U.S. Its an issue that comes up a lot, but never really gets much serious public debate. If you make election day a federal holiday, youll have all the people who work in these types of jobs still having to work, being inundated with customers who have the day off and they wont have child care because the schools will be closed, Suzanne Lucas, who previously worked in human resources, wrote in a piece for Inc.com. Some countries All this despite the fact that these types of restrictions have typically been considered illegal under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which requires that elections be equally open to all people. Is that really an improvement? WebAt the opening of Congress this past January, House Democrats introduced a proposal to make Election Day a national holiday. Low 38F. If not, youre out. Count me out. Without this simple step toward turning out as many Americans as possible to vote, any reform will be incomplete. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. One way to judge that: prioritized legislation. WebMaking election day a holiday might seem to have very few drawbacks, but because many of the people who would actually benefit from the holiday are unlikely to even be able to Creating laws in all states that let people vote before or after work would be more effective than a holiday. While Barton isnt for or against making Election Day a holiday, one thing she is definitely on board with is getting more people to vote. - Vincent Hutchings, a University of Michigan political science professor, - Gil Troy, American presidential historian, Whether accurate or not, elected officials likely think that making it easier to vote would advantage one party traditionally it is believed to help the Democrats at the, Joaquin Corbalan / EyeEm via Getty Images, as travel and communication improved in the 19th century, being too busy or having a conflicting schedule, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, substantially increase the cost of running elections, move that would make it easier for Americans to vote, The types of workers least likely to reap the benefits. 4. COLUMN: Point Counterpoint: There are pros and cons to making Election Day a national holiday, OKLAHOMA WATCH: For tenants behind on rent, ant, Armstrong Bank appoints Aston Armstrong Hudson , OKLAHOMA WATCH: School report cards released, b, Keys secure Districts sweep against Colgate, Doctor accused of killing nurse released on bond, Man accused of sexting minor to appear in court, Business owner accused of obstructing an officer has undisclosed offer revised, EVERYDAY HEROES: Photog overcomes challenges to earn degree, BERRY BEST TIME: Strawberry growers in Adair County start selling crop, Man accused of killing three people denied demand for admissibility hearing, Man charged with murder of deputys daughter pleads not guilty, HAPPENING RIGHT NOW IN DOWNTOWN TAHLEQUAH: 2023 RED FERN FESTIVAL. One example: if its a holiday, kids are home from schoolmaking it much harder for parents to have time to get to the polls. And that the reason why the Dems don't win more often is because of low voter turn-out because they can't afford to leave their jobs. 14 . Election Day could be made a holiday if a bill were passed by the House and Senate then signed into law by the president. He previously reported on the Michigan Legislature for the Michigan Public Radio Network. Some businesses may close, but their hourly paid employees will either have to use a PTO day or not get paid.. In the 2016 presidential election, 14% of registered voters cited being too busy or having a conflicting schedule as the main reason they didnt cast their ballots, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of Census Bureau data. High turnout means that people are successfully exercising their rights-a good in itselfbut it also ensures the continuing health of majority rule. WebMore people would vote if Election Day was a national holiday. If Election Day is a national holiday, would that mean the post office would be closed, she asked. Please make a gift today. A part-time hourly worker is more likely to have multiple jobs, none of which are likely to offer time off. If your thoughts have not changed, list two to three ways your better understanding of the other side of the issue now helps you better argue your position. Nationally in 2018, turnout was above 50%, with 35 million more voters than the previous midterm election in 2014. Protections for individuals with disabilities: The bill would address some of the biggest challenges to voting access that Americans with disabilities face. Governments are required to The ideal ballot would have the candidates in one alphabetical list on one side, and the offices they seek on the other. You have permission to edit this article. Explain your answer. Hey, you know who really has high voter turnout? WebElection Day National Holiday; Electoral College; Lowering the Voting Age to 16; Voting Machines; Ronald Reagan; Bill Clinton; Election Day National Holiday: Top 3 Pros and Cons. Sanctuary Cities: Top 3 Pros and Cons Kneeling during the National Anthem: Top 3 If a right-wing cabal really is running a secret, suppress-the-vote operation, its the most inept conspiracy since Jussie Smollett and the Subway Sandwich Scam. Federal law doesnt require private employers to give employees paid holidays. And what happens to be at the top of the list? (Photo: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg), Controversial Program Could Diminish NASAs Credibility And Its Federal Funding, Shelter From A Storm: Protecting The Housing Market From Itself. Election Day Holiday., For purposes of any law relating to Federal employment, the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in 2020 and each even-numbered year thereafter shall be treated in the same manner as a legal public holiday described in section 6103 of title 5, United States Code., It is the sense of Congress that private employers in the United States should give their employees a day off on the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in 2020 and each even-numbered year thereafter to enable the employees to cast votes in the elections held on that day., Leave it to a House bill-writer to use 98 words when eight will suffice: Were giving you the day off to vote.. ], [Editors Note: The MLA citation style requires double spacing within entries. Managing Editor WebPro: making election day a national holiday will increase voter turnout by enabling more people to vote. Making Election Day a holiday would not necessarily involve adding a new holiday, which employers might resistparticularly following the addition of Juneteenth as a national holiday last week. 3. HR 1, also known as the For The People Act.. The idea that voting should be a celebration, not a chore is one argument for turning Election Day into a national holiday. One must Many Americans know that Election Day is a Tuesday, but few know why. Approximately two million people who work for the federal government would be given a paid day off, and private companies might follow suit. Politicians, most recently House Democrats in 2019, have also floated the idea of turning a weekday Election Day into a federal holiday, but to no avail. . Thats not to say no one has tried. [15] A survey showed that US adults would rather have a federal holiday on Election Day than on Christmas Eve, the Friday after Thanksgiving, or St. Patricks day. Last modified on October 1, 2020. 12 . It was a modern record for the Peach State. So who benefits if the U.S. move to a system where its adults have all of Tuesday to go to polls, if they so choose? The Evolution of American Voting Rights in 242 Years Shows How Far Weve Come -- and How Far We Still Have to Go, businessinsider.com, Sep. 24, 2019, University of Houston Digital History, "Agriculture, digitalhistory.uh.edu (accessed Sep. 24, 2019), USDA, "Ag and Food Sectors and the Economy, ers.usda.gov, Sep. 20, 2019, Legal Information Institute, "5 U.S. Code 6103. More absentee voters mean there needs to be more of those ballots processed on Election Day, while other poll workers help people cast ballots in person. Mallory McMorrow (@MalloryMcMorrow) February 3, 2021. If you want to make Election Day a national holiday because you believe American workers should have more days off to hang out with their families or pound a few brewskis with their buds Im all in. Colleges should have already canceled Election Day classes. 10 . Could that ever happen in the U.S.? He concluded that having an election holiday, by itself, is not an effective strategy to increase voter turnout. [34], Automatic voter registration, by contrast, could register an additional 22 million people and create 7.9 million new voters nationwide within a year. WebElection Day becoming a federal holiday will elevate voting to a democratic holiday. Explain your answers. The measure contains an election-reform bushelful of liberal chestnuts same-day voter registration, provisional ballots, poll worker recruitment and training. The dream of busy voting booths is the goal of House Democratic legislation to make Election Day a [+] federal holiday. On WDETs Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson, Benson emphasized that making Election Day a holiday would make it easier toattractmore election workers. At the top of his list: making Election Day a national holiday. Georgia Democrat Stacey Abrams, for example, says she lost the 2018 governors race as a victim of some ballot-blocking scheme. But making Election Day a holiday because you want to increase voter turnout? Election Day holiday: The bill would make Election Day a legal public holiday, making it easier for voters to get to the polls. In 1800, 83% of the American labor force was agrarian, but today only 11% of total US employment is agriculture-related. (And in case youre curious, November was chosen as the month for similar reasons: It was after fall harvest was over but before the cold winter weather set in.). These changes would send the message that voting is not a privilege to be bought with job security and time to spare, but rather an essential responsibility every person ought to undertake. To access extended pro and con arguments, sources, and discussion questions about whether Election Day should be a national holiday, go to ProCon.org. Advertisement. This comes with complications that non-blue states might not like like allowing provisional ballots to be counted, a vote-counting that can be painfully slow (it takes California over a month to certify statewide election results). Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16? Its hard to say. The bill had zero co-sponsors and went 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. [33], Henry Farber, PhD, Hughes-Rogers Professor of Economics at Princeton University, conducted an analysis of states that made Election Day a holiday for state employees. Should People Who Have Completed Felony Sentences Be Allowed to Vote? Below are the proper citations for this page according to four style manuals (in alphabetical order): the Modern Language Association Style Manual (MLA), the Chicago Manual of Style (Chicago), the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), and Kate Turabian's A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (Turabian). Allow people to register to vote AND vote on the same day. So, no, please dont make Election Day a holiday. And who would get squeezed by the holiday? Cons: Private employers are not required to give their employees federal holidays anyways. We are not a nation of civics nerds. Elections Held on Tuesdays?, britannica.com (accessed Sep. 30, 2019), Evan Andrews, "Election 1010: Why Do We Vote on a Tuesday in November?, history.com, Aug. 31, 2018, Grace Panetta and Olivia Reaney, "Today Is National Voter Registration Day. The US ranks 26th out of 32 for voter turnout among Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. While no state has proposed reinstating the literacy tests, poll taxes, and grandfather clauses that effectively ended the burst of African-American franchise during Reconstruction, todays efforts to disenfranchise minority voters are similarly unsubtle. WebPros: A day will be marked on your calendar for voting. Making Election Day a national holiday will increase voter turnout by enabling more people to vote. Voter turnout in the U.S. is generally quite low, trailing behind that of other developed democracies around the world, according to another Pew study.

Casa Grande Dispatch Police Log, Shooting In Anniston, Al Yesterday, Cleveland Building Permits, The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Commonlit Answer Key, The Elevator By William Sleator Ending Explained, Articles P