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eridani

(51,907 posts)
Sat May 14, 2016, 03:27 AM May 2016

Following Sanders' Lead, Obama Endorses National Voting Holiday

http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/13/following-sanders-lead-obama-endorses-national-voting-holiday

As Common Dreams reported at the time, Sen. Sanders in 2014 proposed a national "Democracy Day" designed to increase turnout and as a direct counter to Republican-led efforts to suppress voting nationwide.

"In America," stated Sanders at the time, "we should be celebrating our democracy and doing everything possible to make it easier for people to participate in the political process. Election Day should be a national holiday so that everyone has the time and opportunity to vote. While this would not be a cure-all, it would indicate a national commitment to create a more vibrant democracy.

In a separate op-ed supporting his proposal, Sanders added, "Throughout American history, people have fought and died to protect our democracy and set an example for other nations. When billionaires and corporations tilt elections, conservatives suppress voting and crucial voters feel unengaged, what kind of example for the world is that?"

In early 2015, Sanders submitted legislation—titled the 'Democracy Day Act of 2015'—that would officially "designate Election Day as a public holiday."
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Following Sanders' Lead, Obama Endorses National Voting Holiday (Original Post) eridani May 2016 OP
A day off is a good start LiberalElite May 2016 #1

LiberalElite

(14,691 posts)
1. A day off is a good start
Sat May 14, 2016, 10:14 AM
May 2016

I used to get Election Day off from work. Then it became a half day, then two hours, then nothing. I believe the ruling class rationale was nobody votes anyway so, why should we give them time off?

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