], [Editors Note: The MLA citation style requires double spacing within entries. Lets assume there wont be an election holiday anytime soon not until Democrats control both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. 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. These changes would send a strong rebuke to those who are attempting to scale back voting rights and make it more difficult for African-Americans and Latinos to vote. It was a modern record for the Peach State. Pros and Cons 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. 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. The US ranks 26th out of 32 for voter turnout for Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. After reading the pros and cons on this topic, has your thinking changed? More people would vote if they had more time to cast their ballots Furthermore, celebrating our democracy publicly would send the message that we value each others citizenship as much as we value honoring past presidents. [13], Donald Green, PhD, Burgess Professor of Political Science at Columbia University, found that nonpartisan community parties celebrating Election Day in 2005, 2006, and 2016 increased voter participation between 2.6 percentage points and about 4 percentage points. ", "While it is the purview of the states to set election rules, I will encourage them to make voting fair and easily accessible for all voters.". 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. 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. Postings about current events are fine, as long as there is a political science angle. Explore which countries have weekend voting with Pew Research. We want parents to vote, not get stuck. 325 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 200 By registering through a routine and necessary transaction such as those at the DMV, voters wont have to worry about registration deadlines or application submissions. 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. Citizens have a right to vote. Say goodbye to making Election Day a federal holiday and other All Rights Reserved. But one idea that could get support and pushback from both sides of the aisle is making Election Day a state holiday. As of mid-May Republicans in 48 states have introduced 389 bills that would reduce the hours polls are open; forbid people from eating or drinking while waiting in line to vote; close voter registration on Sundays, when Black churches traditionally have organized their members to register and vote; repeal no excuse absentee voting; and create a long list of other barriers to voting. If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact the customer support team at 1-833-248-7801. Federal law doesnt require private employers to give employees paid holidays. However, a national primary day is a recipe for failure. Last week his office released a list of voting rights provisions he would support. 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. Would making Election Day a federal holiday increase voter turnout and celebrate democracy? 11 . 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. It deals with systems of governance and power, and the analysis of political activities, political thought, political behavior, and associated constitutions and laws. Should People Who Have Completed Felony Sentences Be Allowed to Vote? The idea that voting should be a celebration, not a chore is one argument for turning Election Day into a national holiday. Change often comes slowly, subtly. 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. shouldnt voting be mandatory If Election Day were a national holiday, how would you ensure hourly and low-income workers would get a chance to vote? 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 Instead of having the names spelled out, voters would pick between Oje Diben and Noladd Rumpt.. - 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. Proponents say teens are knowledgeable enough to vote. Virginia Gov. The United States currently has 10 national holidays, includingMemorial Day,Independence Day, andChristmas Day. Making weekday elections a national holiday is a popular idea that would align the US with other countries. 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? Low 38F. All rights reserved. And even if elections arent routine in the age of Donald Trump, its a nice option to have. [26] Caravanas are joyful, noisy parades of cars festooned with flags and other decorations that stream through Puerto Ricos streets ahead of an election and are credited with the islands over 80% voter turnout. Pros and Cons of making election day a national holiday 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.