Introduction

Would making voting a national holiday increase voter turnout? Arguments for and against this idea highlight disparities in current practices, cost concerns, and the challenge of ensuring inclusive participation. This article explores these issues and examines the legal framework regarding federal holidays in the United States.

Arguments For Making Voting a National Holiday

Supporters argue that if voting were a national holiday, it would create a more equitable and accessible voting environment. Rather than being confined to working individuals’ often inflexible schedules, voting could become a communal event where everyone, regardless of their employment status, could participate. This shift could significantly boost voter turnout, especially among those who face scheduling challenges due to work commitments.

Challenges of the Current System

However, the current system is far from equitable. Federal holidays often close down businesses and government entities that employ salaried workers. Yet, service industry businesses such as hotels and restaurants do not universally close for federal holidays. This disparity means that citizens employed in the service industry may find it difficult to take time off to vote, leading to potential disparities in voting participation.

Personal Experiences and Observations

Personal anecdotes illustrate the reality of the current voting process. For instance, older or ill individuals, like the author, may struggle to vote during regular business hours due to work schedules or health conditions. Additionally, consistently working individuals often find it challenging to find time to vote at the polls given their employment commitments.

Counterarguments and Concerns

Opponents of making voting a national holiday raise valid concerns. Firstly, such a move could significantly disrupt business operations, leading to billions in lost productivity. Additionally, there are concerns that increased leisure time could lead to heightened alcohol consumption, which could negatively impact voter behavior.

Legal Framework and Realities

Legally, federal holidays do not afford any special rights to the general public. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) treats federal holidays like any other business day, meaning that non-federal employees can still be required to work. This legal view was succinctly summarized in an earlier discussion when a poster explained that a federal holiday is just another workday for most employees.

Furthermore, the list of federal holidays in the United States includes New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. It's clear that many businesses remain open on these holidays, demonstrating that the designation of a federal holiday does not universally result in non-working days for the general public.

Conclusion

While making voting a national holiday sounds ideal and could potentially increase participation, the effectiveness of such a move is questionable given current legal and practical considerations. To truly make voting more accessible, more comprehensive measures are needed, including flexible work schedules, extended voting hours, and enhanced public awareness campaigns.

Regardless of the arguments, the ultimate goal should be to ensure that every eligible voter has a fair and accessible opportunity to participate in the democratic process.