Election Day Holiday
I strongly support the idea of making Election Day in November a federal holiday for all voters in America. Currently, only 22 states require employers to give their workers paid time off to vote, and in some states, employees are only given a few hours to make it to the polls. This can result in long lines and wait times that make voting impossible for some Americans. By making Election Day a federal holiday, we can create a uniform standard across the country that encourages voting and ensures that every American has the opportunity to cast their ballot.
Most other democracies hold election day on the weekend, or have made election day a holiday to ensure the most people can get to the polls. In America, however, Election Day is held on a Tuesday in November, a workday for most Americans. This means that many people have to take time off work, which can be difficult or impossible for some, in order to exercise their right to vote. Making Election Day a holiday would eliminate this barrier to voting and make it easier for all Americans to participate in the democratic process.
One of the key benefits of making Election Day a federal holiday is that it would reinforce the importance of voting in the minds of Americans. Holidays are meant to signify important milestones, sacred moments in American life. If Columbus Day is a federal holiday, why not make Election Day one, too? By designating Election Day as a federal holiday, we would be sending a powerful message to all Americans about the significance of the electoral process and the importance of their participation in it.
There are several reasons why making Election Day a federal holiday is a good idea. First and foremost, it would make it easier for Americans to exercise their right to vote. By giving workers the day off, we would eliminate one of the biggest barriers to voting, which is the lack of time and resources. This would help to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process, regardless of their work schedule or other obligations.
Second, making Election Day a federal holiday would create a uniform standard across the country to encourage voting. Currently, the rules and regulations surrounding voting vary widely from state to state. Some states have strict voter ID laws, while others do not. Some states allow early voting or mail-in voting, while others do not. By making Election Day a federal holiday, we would establish a consistent standard for voting that would apply to all Americans, regardless of where they live.
Third, making Election Day a federal holiday would help to increase voter turnout. Many Americans are simply too busy or too overwhelmed by their daily lives to make it to the polls on Election Day. By giving them the day off, we would make it easier for them to find the time to vote. This would help to increase voter turnout, which is essential to ensuring that our democracy remains strong and vibrant.
Finally, making Election Day a federal holiday would send a powerful message to the rest of the world about the importance of democracy and the role that America plays in promoting it. America is often seen as a beacon of democracy around the world, and making Election Day a federal holiday would reinforce that perception. It would demonstrate that America takes its democratic ideals seriously and is committed to ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process.
Of course, there are some who argue that making Election Day a federal holiday would be too expensive or would result in lost productivity. However, these arguments are misguided. In reality, the cost of making Election Day a federal holiday would be relatively small compared to the benefits that it would bring. Moreover, the benefits of increased voter turnout and a more engaged electorate would far outweigh any temporary loss of productivity.
In conclusion, making Election Day in November a federal holiday for all voters in America is a common-sense idea that would strengthen our democracy.
Posted on 04 May 2023, 16:02 - Category: My Views
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