Sanders Puts Forth Proposal to Make Election Day a Holiday

[Triana]

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) wants to make election a day a holiday, suggesting that it could make it easier to vote.

Sanders, who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination, has introduced a proposal that would amend the U.S. code to include "Federal Election Day, the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in each even-numbered year," according to the legislation.

The Vermont senator said at a rally last week that the legislation would make sure everyone who wants to vote has the time to, and "would indicate a national commitment to create a vibrant democracy."

The legislation is part of a package of proposals that Sanders is offering, aimed at voting and campaigns. He's also introduced legislation that would automatically register 18-year-olds to vote, and said last week that he intends to offer legislation that would allow public financing of campaigns.

THE REST:

http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/250784-sanders-want-to-make-election-day-a-holiday

[LWolf]

1. I seem to remember that

this has been a perrennial topic of discussion here at DU in the 1.5 years I've been here.

:thumpsup:

[Uncle Joe]

2. It should be, the American Peoples' power to vote should be enhanced not diminished.

Thanks for thread, Triana

[olddots]

3. Imagine a holiday that celebrates the furure

Wow that sounds maybe too progressive for people who glamorise a fairy tale past .

[kenfrequed]

4. This should be the truth

We really should have had election day as a holiday a long time ago.

[Liberal Veteran]

5. This is an idea that sounds good, but ultimately does little to address the issue.

Sure, government workers, schools, and a few other companies might close, but how many lower income folks work in service jobs that are lucky to get Christmas off? Do you think retailers would really close? Movie theaters? Restaurants?

Heck, I worked in a place that paid well, was non-essential service, and basically non-retail and we still had only three holidays a year and most of the time we were open for two out of those three with Christmas day being the ONLY day we could be assured we would not be open.

The real problem is that "election day" as a concept is outmoded and suited to small communities in the 18th and 19th century. In the 21st century, we should have more than the 24 hour period to cast our vote. Something like an entire week would do more to give people time to cast their ballot than an election day.