Can the Government Make Voting Day a National Holiday?

Some may wonder if the U.S. government has the power to redesignate voting day as a national holiday. Technically, yes, they can. For instance, they could designate Jack the Ripper’s birthday as a national holiday if they wished to. This would simply require Congress to pass a law, and for the President to sign it into law or for it to become law absent a presidential signature, which is a rare occurrence.

However, the practicality of such an action is questionable. As Dan Rbash mentions, low-income individuals may not be able to afford a day off from work to vote, rendering this move ineffective. Moreover, not every holiday guarantees paid time off for workers, as Dan points out.

Focus on State-Level Changes

Instead of pressing for a national holiday, it may be more effective to advocate for state-level changes. Dan suggests that state lawmakers have the power to make election days, including primary days, holidays. This approach could gradually build momentum until it becomes a national issue worth addressing.

The Role of Political Partisanship

The reluctance of some governments to designate voting day as a holiday can be attributed to partisan politics. As Dan correctly notes, the Republican Party has a history of engaging in vote suppression strategies to secure their advantage during elections. Making voting day a holiday could lead to higher voter turnout and thus more favorable outcomes for Democratic candidates, prompting resistance from Republicans.

Alternative Solutions

One potential alternative to a national holiday is to extend voting hours to 24 hours across the nation. This suggestion gains merit from Barbara Simpson's perspective, who suggests that polling places remain open from 8:00 AM to 7:59 PM eastern time, allowing ample time for individuals to vote.

Such an approach mitigates the burden on employers, who would not need to provide paid time off. It also addresses the issue of long lines and limited voting hours that can discourage eligible voters from participating. Extending voting hours also ensures that the voting process is more accessible and convenient for all citizens, regardless of their work schedules or commitments.

Conclusion

While the idea of making voting day a national holiday might seem like a straightforward solution, the complexity of political and economic realities makes it a challenging proposition. Instead, focusing on state-level legislation and exploring alternative measures like extended voting hours may provide a more effective and practical approach to improving voter turnout and accessibility.

Ultimately, the goal should be to find solutions that ensure the right to vote is upheld in a fair and accessible manner. Whether through national legislation, state measures, or innovative methods like extended voting hours, the key is to enhance the voting experience and encourage wider participation in the democratic process.