Why Election Day Should Not Be a Holiday in the United States

Every state in the United States has laws that mandate employers to allow their employees time off to vote. Many states also offer early voting and absentee voting options. Despite these provisions, a significant portion of the population still does not vote. This article explores the reasons why making Election Day a national holiday might not be the best solution, especially considering the current voting landscape and employer perspectives.

The Current Voting Landscape in the U.S.

In most states, polls are open from 6 AM to 6 PM on Election Day. Early voting periods can last up to a month leading up to the election. For those who cannot vote during these hours, absentee voting is available. The ease of accessing polling locations and voting methods suggests that the main barrier to voting is not job-related but rather a lack of interest or convenience. A significant portion of the population shrugs off voting because they feel their voice does not matter, and it is this apathy that is often more of a challenge to overcome than scheduling conflicts.

Arguments Against Making Election Day a Holiday

One common argument is that making Election Day a holiday would disrupt businesses and cause financial losses for employers. In Georgia, for instance, voting does not necessitate a full day off, as early voting and absentee voting offer alternatives that minimally impact work schedules. Another concern is the potential for absenteeism among non-voting employees who might use such a holiday to take a day off the job, rather than an interest in voting.

The Political Implications

The GOP's reluctance to promote more extensive voting provisions is rooted in a desire to maintain the status quo of lower voter turnout. Higher voter turnout could lead to different outcomes that are not in their political interest. Hence, they are more likely to support measures that increase accessibility to voting rather than promoting a full holiday on Election Day.

Employer Perspectives

Employers observe various holidays, including those related to banking, government, and public services, but not all businesses comply with these regulations. Retailers, hairdressers, shipping companies, construction companies, and other service providers do not generally recognize government holidays. Therefore, making Election Day an official holiday would mean that many employees who perform essential tasks for these businesses would need to find ways to vote outside of these holidays.

The Logical Fallacy of Paying People Not to Vote

The suggestion to create a holiday for those who do not vote is flawed. People who do not want to participate in elections are unlikely to be incentivized by a paid day off. Voting is a civic duty, and those who choose to exercise this right find ways to do so irrespective of the convenience. An additional paid holiday for non-voters creates a double standard and demeans the importance of the act of voting.

Conclusively, while the goal of increasing voter turnout is noble, simply making Election Day a holiday might not be the most effective or practical approach. Instead, continuing to refine early voting and absentee voting options, and ensuring that voting is as accessible as possible, could achieve the desired outcome without causing undue burden on businesses or employees.