Election Day as a Federal Holiday: Necessity and Impact

For decades, the debate around whether Election Day should be a federal holiday has been a topic of fierce discussion. This article explores the arguments both for and against such a holiday and its potential impact on voter turnout and voting accessibility.

What is the Current Standpoint?

Currently, Election Day is not mandated as a federal holiday in the United States. While many states and local governments have made it a public holiday, there is no uniform policy across the country. The core issue at hand is whether making Election Day a federal holiday would significantly enhance the democratic process, particularly in terms of voter turnout.

Arguments in Favor of Making Election Day a Federal Holiday

1. Ensuring Workplace Voting: One of the main arguments in favor of making Election Day a federal holiday is the provision of a designated time for workers to cast their ballots without the need for taking time off. This would alleviate the burden on employees who might struggle to vote during working hours, thereby increasing the overall participation rates.

2. Ensuring Secure Voting: Proponents also argue that making Election Day a federal holiday, along with ensuring that all states adhere to strict voting rules, would lead to more accurate and transparent election results. This could help combat issues of voter disenfranchisement and ensure that the results truly reflect the will of the citizens.

Arguments Against Making Election Day a Federal Holiday

1. Increased Number of Holidays: Critics argue that adding another federal holiday might not be necessary, especially as early voting and mail-in ballots are already available. Early voting periods and flexibilities in mail ballots help accommodate the varied schedules of different groups of voters.

2. Voter Turnout Considerations: Some argue that making Election Day a holiday might not significantly increase voter turnout, as less than half of eligible voters currently vote on that day. While a holiday might offset some time constraints, it might not be the most effective solution to increase voter participation.

Proposed Solutions and Future Outlook

24-Hour Voting Window Proposal: A suggestion has been put forth for Election Day to run for 24 hours, starting simultaneously nationwide and ending at the same moment. This could potentially increase the number of projected winners while also encouraging more individuals to vote, as the polls remain open longer.

Felon Voting Rights: Some argue that making Election Day a secure holiday could also include enforcing laws that prevent felons from voting. This would ensure that election results are truthful and reliable, as there are concerns about misinformation and dubious practices in some voting systems.

2024 and Beyond: The upcoming 2024 election is a critical time for these discussions. Many will be watching closely to see how effective existing measures are in boosting voter turnout and ensuring the integrity of the election process. Future policies might need to adapt to the increasingly prevalent use of mail-in ballots and the desire for more accessible voting options.

Conclusion

The debate over whether Election Day should be a federal holiday is complex. While there are valid arguments on both sides, it is evident that any decision should be made with careful consideration of the potential impact on voter participation and electoral integrity. As technology and voter preferences evolve, the strategies for increasing voter turnout and ensuring the accuracy of election results will also need to adapt.