National Holiday for Voting?

2015-03-20T18:33:54-04:00

Although my last post did not last as long as I hoped the general feedback about mandatory voting was of the opinion that a right should not be forced on people, it is their choice to exercise that right. With that topic covered I wonder about a national holiday for voting. I know that idea has been floated around as well. I have heard arguments from all sides, what say you?

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 20 at 2015 6:37 PM

2015-03-20T18:37:36-04:00

I'm not a fan of creating a new holiday however, I think it would make sense to use an existing federal holiday - Independence Day.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 20 at 2015 6:42 PM

2015-03-20T18:42:23-04:00

SGT James Elphick, it would improve voter turnout.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Mar 21 at 2015 1:41 PM

2015-03-21T13:41:16-04:00

Would there be special "Election Day Weekend" sales?

If so then it will have to be moved to either August or February since all of the really available retail sales days between September 1 and January 31 are pretty much spoken for.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 22 at 2015 8:43 PM

2015-03-22T20:43:26-04:00

On its face it makes sense, however in reality it won't actually do anything.

We can't shut the country down for 24 hours. We're too big. Countries that do have less than 10M people. We have 320M.

The way to improve voter turn out is to extend voting times. Make it a week instead of a day. Would it increase total %? Maybe by shaming people. But I doubt we would pass 50%.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2015 8:53 PM

2015-03-22T20:53:19-04:00

I don't know how it is nationally, but Wisconsin polls are open 12 hours on election day. That gives most of the population plenty of time to vote, especially since they're open from 0800 to 2000. Even if a person works a 12 hour shift it's likely a 6 to 6, so there are VERY few people who can say that voting hours prevented them from voting.

Response by SPC Rory J. Mattheisen made Dec 18 at 2015 10:45 PM

2015-12-18T22:45:23-05:00

I dont think the American people need another day off for something that does not matter to them.