I believe Election Day should be a holiday so we can get our maximum participation, says Jacobs. However, it wasnt until recently that the idea gained any traction in Congress. Election Day National Holiday Top 3 Pros and Cons - ProCon.org Additionally, many of these individuals rely on school days as childcare for their children. 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. Should Election Day be a national holiday? [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. WebAt the opening of Congress this past January, House Democrats introduced a proposal to make Election Day a national holiday. We see that you have javascript disabled. 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. A part-time hourly worker is more likely to have multiple jobs, none of which are likely to offer time off. Accessed April 27, 2023. https://www.procon.org/should-election-day-be-a-national-holiday/. 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). Election Day is a holiday in Puerto Rico. 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. Instead of having the names spelled out, voters would pick between Oje Diben and Noladd Rumpt.. If not, youre out. To combat these efforts, lawmakers nationally have introduced HR1 (the John Lewis Act) and S1, which would enact a number of important provisions: improve ballot access, create nonpartisan redistricting commissions to reduce gerrymandering, provide automatic voter registration when people turn 18, allow at least 15 days of early voting,mandate that presidential candidates disclosure their federal tax returns, and require greater disclosure of so-called dark money campaign contributions. It needs better voters, people who have some vague notion of what theyre voting for or against, not just people practicing identity politics or voting with their political tribe. Making Election Day a national holiday will increase voter turnout by enabling more people to vote. Veterans deserve a day that stands on its own without the distractions that come with arriving at the polls and casting votes. In the 2016 election, only 56% of voting-age Americans cast their ballots. https://www.hoover.org/profiles/bill-whalen, federal holiday. However, I feel like this is painting with a broad stroke. Waste of money. Sanctuary Cities: Top 3 Pros and Cons Kneeling during the National Anthem: Top 3 13 . Part of HuffPost Home & Living. But other solutions would more reliably increase turnout. (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.). Approximately two million people who work This article was published on October 1, 2020, at Britannicas ProCon.org, a nonpartisan issue-information source. Archived post. In 2018, Pew Research found that 65% of voters surveyed supported Election Day being a national holiday. Virginia Gov. And she said there are lots of other ways to do that like early, in-person voting. Political science is the scientific study of politics. For example, one may suggest, if we observe Election Day as a national holiday, then we will be unable to adequately staff and secure polling venues, or worse; it would negatively impact government spending. there are more pros than cons with regard to observing Election Day as a federal holiday. Would making Election Day a federal holiday increase voter turnout and celebrate democracy? Thats not to say no one has tried. Winds light and variable. In theory, it seems that any move that would make it easier for Americans to vote would increase participation. Plus, some experts say moving to weekend voting could substantially increase the cost of running elections. At the heart of the debate is voter turnout give more people the day off, more people will go out of their way to head to the polls. So, since this effort does not receive bipartisan support, it is difficult to enact.. "Should Election Day Be a National Holiday?" I feel the commenter's central thesis is that there are way more Dems in the US then Repubels. [17] Countries such as France, Mexico, and India also observe federal holidays for elections. [31]. List two to three ways. But making Election Day a holiday because you want to increase voter turnout? There is one other option: move elections to Saturdays. 325 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 200 2. 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. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Carlson calls on Minnesotans to oppose sulfide mining, Local View: The stories of spring, other seasons, play out in the night sky, In Response: Expensive or not, Minnesota a good place to do business, The beginning of the rest of their lives: Powwow recognizes Fond du Lac graduates and more, Lake Superior Medical Equipment relocates to West Duluth after fire, Minnesota DNR, feds sign agreement over logging in wildlife areas, Special Olympics return to Northland after 3 years. Rose Marcario, CEO, stated, demonstrating your companys commitment to voting will reinforce how essential it is that every eligible voter shows up. It shouldnt all come down to just one day. Rochester Hills City Clerk Tina Barton. The decision was made taking into account farmers, a large portion of the voting constituency at the time, who would not have been able to travel to polling places in winter months or during planting or harvest times. How to Become the US President. This past year, we were able to make it work through sports teams and other businesses that stepped up, gave their employees the day off, made it a holiday internally, says Benson. In its last two presidential elections (2015 and 2010) turnout was 55% 5% less than the 2016 vote in the U.S. Switzerland also votes on weekends. 1. [9], Former Editor-in-Chief of the Northwestern University Law Review, Beau C. Tremitiere, JD, stated, The demands of school and work schedules keep millions of Americans, especially those with children or long commutes, from ever getting to their polling stations The ideal solution is simple: Congress should make Election Day a national holiday, or move Election Day to the weekend. [10] A holiday would allow more citizens volunteer at polling places or drive the elderly to vote, and make a difference in states where long lines at the polls keep voters waiting for hours. You know what else they have? a list of voting rights provisions he would support, Congress in 2019: The need for bipartisan action on voting rights and election integrity, Voting rights, the next Attorney General, and a less divided America, Republicans in 48 states have introduced 389 bills, Generational change divides GOP, unites Democrats. In previous elections, that percentage was even higher. The idea of combining Veterans Day with National Election Day has been brought up for debate, but that doesnt make much sense. 325 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 200 Another positive: This would turn the day into a celebration of democracy. Some businesses may close, but their hourly paid employees will either have to use a PTO day or not get paid.. 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 Promotion of new political ideas. Again, it is not clear that this is demonstrably true but it is a widespread perception. "Election Day National Holiday Top 3 Pros and Cons." We get about 20-25% of our absentee ballots come in on Election Folks who follow the news and keep up with current events sometimes forget theyre in the minority. 11 . Trying one of these alternatives would avoid the negative economic impact of closing businesses for Election Day. Many Americans know that Election Day is a Tuesday, but few know why. As Congress continues to grapple with voting rights legislation this week, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has used his considerable influence as the Senates key swing vote to set the terms of the debate. Virginia Gov. 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. Effectiveness depends on the region. The entire voter suppression conspiracy being advanced by progressives is nonsense on its face. America is walking the knifes edge between maintaining and losing democracy. Nationally in 2018, turnout was above 50%, with 35 million more voters than the previous midterm election in 2014. Should the United States Use the Electoral College in Presidential Elections? On WDETs Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson, Benson emphasized that making Election Day a holiday would make it easier toattractmore election workers. [2] Sundays were for rest and worship, and on Wednesdays farmers typically sold their crops at the market, making Tuesdays the best day of the week. (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[2]='LNAME';ftypes[2]='text';fnames[4]='MMERGE4';ftypes[4]='date';fnames[6]='MMERGE6';ftypes[6]='text';fnames[5]='MMERGE5';ftypes[5]='date';fnames[3]='MMERGE3';ftypes[3]='date';fnames[7]='MMERGE7';ftypes[7]='date';fnames[8]='MMERGE8';ftypes[8]='zip';fnames[9]='MMERGE9';ftypes[9]='radio';fnames[10]='MMERGE10';ftypes[10]='text';fnames[11]='MMERGE11';ftypes[11]='text';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Your connection to news, music, conversation. In true American fashion, I say we take the day off, cast our votes, then stock up the ice chests with beer, fire up and thaw out the grill, gather with friends and neighbors while we argue and/or celebrate the individual we choose as commander in chief for the next four years. You may opt-out by. Scan this QR code to download the app now. That nations turnout in 2017s national election was only 46%(you want to get the Swiss fired up, put a contentious idea in front of them a vote vote tojoin the EEA in 1992brought out 79%; the 2016 vote todeport foreign criminals, 63%). Twelve federal holidays are recognized each year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Washingtons Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas. So what are the odds of Election Day 2020 becoming a federal holiday (an idea Vermont Bernie Sanders was peddling back in 2015)? But would such a change turn out the voters Democrats covet most? Its a move that could de-politicize some of the election reform discussion, as some of the ideas could receivebipartisan support. John M. Cunningham, "Why Are U.S. Arizona, for example, allows employees who do not have three consecutive hours before or after work when the polls are open to take paid time off to vote at the start or end of work days. Everyone will get equal opportunity to vote. Colleges should have already canceled Election Day classes. [1] Singapore has election day as a federal holiday, and in 2015 this resulted in a voter turnout of 93.6%. Many other democracies make election day a holiday and they all have higher voter turnout than we do. Approximately two million people who work for the federal government would be given a paid day off, and private companies might follow suit. Dont believe me? an important step in ensuring the right to vote for all Americans and stabilizing democracy. This year, more than 30 million Americans had already voted two weeks before todays Election Day an electoral surge never seen before. ProCon.org is the institutional or organization author for all ProCon.org pages. Even people youd expect to know, like politicians, have been stumped by this very question. Chicago, Illinois 60654 USA, Natalie Leppard Pew Research Center found 71 percent of Democrats and 59 percent of Republicans support that. The answer dates back to 1845, when Congress passed a law declaring that federal elections would be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. But one idea that could get support and pushback from both sides of the aisle is making Election Day a state holiday. Last modified on April 13, 2020. ], ProCon.org, "Election Day National Holiday Top 3 Pros and Cons,", ProCon.org, "Election Day National Holiday Top 3 Pros and Cons. Russia, Turkey, Iran, Syria Meet In Moscow: Whats Afoot? [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. Whether that be through the mail, or people drop them off in person. In 1800, 83% of the American labor force was agrarian, but today only 11% of total US employment is agriculture-related. People who work long shifts, juggle multiple jobs, Rationality and coherent argument are encouraged, whereas ideological flamewars are strongly discouraged. While the Republican efforts are shrouded in their supposed desire to protect the integrity of elections, there is no evidence of significant voter fraud in recent elections, including presidential election in 2020. If Election Day were a national holiday, how would you ensure hourly and low-income workers would get a chance to vote? So far this year, hundreds of bills have been introduced that could have the effect of suppressing peoples right to vote. For example, although most schools are closed anyway because theyre being used as polling places,not all of them are, which begs the question: If were going to be closing more schools and possibly daycares would that cause childcare problems that would actually make it harder for some people to vote? What other improvements could be made to voting and Election Day? We get about 20-25% of our absentee ballots come in on Election Day, says Barton. Establishing Election Day as a holiday, taken together with the pending federal voting rights reforms, would go a long way towards stabilizing democracy and ensuring basic democratic rights. 3. Issues also arise when a persons polling place is far from their workplace or when there are long lines to vote during peak times like in the morning before work or in the evening after work. Explain your answers. Managing Editor Protections for individuals with disabilities: The bill would address some of the biggest challenges to voting access that Americans with disabilities face. This would actually make it even easier and validate businesses to give their employees the day off so that they can work the elections and serve as election workers. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Cons: Private employers are not required to give their employees federal holidays anyways. As the chart shows, presidential turnout corresponds with midterm turnout and in 2018, turnout skyrocketed from 36.7% four years previously to 49.6%. US Political Parties. (Photo: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg). But only 35% bothered to cast un bulletin de votein the second round of Frances parliamentary election (its what comes from loading the ticket with the likes of retired matadors and mathematical savants). So, no, please dont make Election Day a holiday. Not me. It would only make it harder and more expensive for all candidates to have a fair shot at competing. What America needs isnt more voters. 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. Election Day could be made a federal holiday if a bill were passed by the House and Senate then signed into law by the president. Reformers will be far more successful adding a few days or options or opportunities than trying to undo Election Day.. While these provisions represent major steps in the right direction, they are not enough. Here are five reasons why Election Day should be a national holiday. Yes, its true Americas voting age is lower than some other developed countries. 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 expense of the other party, the GOP, said Vincent Hutchings, a University of Michigan political science professor. 2020, Virginia. 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 elections. 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. This Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form. ProCon.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity. [1] The decision was made taking into account farmers, a large portion of the voting constituency at the time, who would not have been able to travel to polling places in winter months or during planting or harvest times. The ideal ballot would have the candidates in one alphabetical list on one side, and the offices they seek on the other. If Election Day is a national holiday, would that mean the post office would be closed, she asked. 14 . By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. And some countries, like Australia, require people to vote by subjecting those who dont to a minor fine equivalent to a traffic ticket. Without this simple step toward turning out as many Americans as possible to vote, any reform will be incomplete. The bill had zero co-sponsors and went Should People Who Have Completed Felony Sentences Be Allowed to Vote? By comparison, Belgium reported the highest OECD voter turnout: 87.2% in the most recent national election. She's also done some online freelancing and worked on documentary films. Veterans Day typically is about one week after Election Day so this would involve little disruption in terms of job schedules and monthly routines. Arizona, for example, allows employees who do not have three consecutive hours before or after work when the polls are open to take paid time off to vote at the start or end of their work days. Is that really an improvement? Or are there other legitimate and logical reasons that may be preventing the Election Day from becoming a national holiday? ], [Editors Note: The MLA citation style requires double spacing within entries. All Rights Reserved. WebElection Campaign Cons. Please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local news. In a number of states, polling places have been closed in minority neighborhoods, which has created long lines and tremendous inconvenience for affected votersinconvenience with a cost, especially for those paid hourly wages. In India, for example, a polling place is required within two kilometers (about a mile) of every single person in the country of 1.4 billion. Proponents say teens are knowledgeable enough to vote. Bensons proposal would make Election Day a state holiday, not a national holiday. [8][15] A holiday for elections sidesteps the issue of a weekend election, which could conflict with religious obligations. If so, how? While many countries hold national elections on holidays, Americans are at liberty to stay at home. WebPros: A day will be marked on your calendar for voting. 14, 2019, BBC, "Singapore Election: Governing Party Secure Decisive Win, bbc.com, Sep. 12, 2015, Holly Jackson, "It's Time to Make Election Day a Holiday in Law and Spirit," washingtonpost.com, Oct. 22, 2018, BCP Associates, "India Elections 2019 - Declaration of Paid Holiday on Polling Day, bcpassociates.com, Apr. 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. Making election day a holiday would improve the ability of the government to conduct elections. . Count me out. Federal law doesnt require private employers to give employees paid holidays. 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 Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Useful for voters who are still indecisive. OK, so why Tuesday? Whether accurate or not, elected officials likely think that making it easier to vote would advantage one party at the expense of the other party.. After reading the pros and cons on this topic, has your thinking changed? Funding by lobbyists is a big problem. Or we could use the Jumble ballot. Bartons concerns about the possible unintended consequences of an Election Day holiday haveled a Democratic sponsor of legislation to create the holiday to reconsider her bill. Cookie Notice It is very, very hard to change core American traditions.. Election Day in the United States is the Tuesday following the first Monday in November of an election year. It is the duty of the state to make exercising this right as accesible as possible by making the election day a holiday. [16]. Nations like Israel and South Korea make election day a national holiday and have voter turnout rates of 72.3% and 77.2% respectively, which is significantly higher than that of the US. Under normal political circumstances, more Americans follow the race to the World Series than to the White House. After all, what do our veterans fight for, if not for democracy itself? Voter suppression policies need to be reversed, starting with restoring the pre-clearance provisions of the Civil Rights Act. 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. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Please make a gift today. Have you looked at who theyre voting for? Or is it an optimistic idea that would exclude already disadvantaged voters while failing to increase turnout? Privacy Policy. Such a change would mostly benefit white-collar workers instead of the lower-income workers its designed to help. Interestingly, 27 of the 36 countries that are members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (made up largely of advanced democracies) conduct their national elections on the weekend. Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Mexico receive high voter turnout due to universal voting and time off. Not everyone is jumping at the idea of making Election Day a state holiday, however. Tina Barton, a Republican Rochester Hills City Clerk has a lot of those questions, and more. https://www.britannica.com/story/pro-and-con-election-day-holiday. A handful of states have made election day a state holiday, including New York, Hawaii, Kentucky, and, in Apr. and our Push for the position and policies you support by writing US national senators and representatives. Election Day in the United States has occurred on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November ever since PresidentJohn Tylersigned an 1845 law establishing a specific voting day for the entire country. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson wants to make Election Day a state holiday, but some worry about unintended consequences. Approximately two million people who work for the federal government would be given a paid day off, and private companies might follow suit. However, those numbers may be attributed to a combination of factors not solely because their elections occur on non-work days. It shouldnt all come down to just one day., Despite Olive Branch from Whitmer,GOPShowing No Interest in Cooperation in2021, A Michigan Reporters Harrowing Experience Inside Capitol DuringInsurrection, New Year Means New Democratic Majority on State SupremeCourt. This is a stressful, insecure time for many. @TinaLBarton gave me some good insight that caused me to reconsider my bill that would have done just that. CON. We would put in place automatic voter registration, same-day registration, extended voting days, Election Day as a National Holiday, and other reforms, including mandatory voting (vote or pay a moderate fine) as practiced in Australia, Belgium, and much of Latin America, with a None of the Above option that would trigger a new election if it wins. Today, of course, holding the election on the first Tuesday of the month is deeply inconvenient for the vast majority of Americans, whether they work in an office, in food service, or on a farm, as they did in the olden days.
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