Make Election Day a national holiday

[saline]

I haven't decided who I want to support but for a long time I was a big Kerry fan. I thought he had a really good shot of not only getting the nomination but of winning (I still do). One of the pet reasons that I really liked him was his clear support for making Election Day a national holiday.

I've loved this idea for a really long time and I think all Democrats should. I think, if more people could get out to vote, they would. Unfortunately it seems that the way their lives are right now they can't. They may be working two or three jobs. They may be single parents who need to pick up and drop off children from different places at different times. They may want to vote but they really just might not be able to.

If Election Day were a national holiday it would be possible for these people to vote. We cannot say we live in a democracy until everyone has equal opportunity to vote. Absentee ballots are fine but I personally will admit to problems with getting things together to actually mail something (maybe thats just me).

Election Day should be a national holiday. Democrats should support this effort because it's core Democratic votes that are being denied.

What do you guys think? Help this project write your congress people? Maybe it can get passed quick and help us get rid of baby bush.

[gristy]

1. This is a good idea, but just as good would be to move

voting day to a Saturday. Don't know if this would be a problem for any religious groups, though.

[jackemoe]

2. I know for those

who are of the jewish faith it would present a problem. Same goes for Sunday and those of a christian faith.

Fact is, it should be a national holiday for all persons. Work gets in the way which is the main reason for such apathy/non-participation.

[TheMightyFavog]

3. Same goes for College students, too!

Hell, us college students would welcome any new vacation days!

Especailly students like me who have a half-hour commute and early classes. Getting to the polls can be a major pain.

[the ether]

4. what a fabulous idea...please look here for my campaign....

www.americanether.net


I've started a campaign focusing on just this very issue as the main goal.....

please look and contact if you want to help out.

[nyrnyr1994]

6. Checking out webpage now...

n/t

[nyrnyr1994]

5. Love the idea!

Had this thought some time ago, I hope that someday this is put into effect (like before 11/1/04!).

[beyurslf]

7. This is a good idea hor those who actually Federal Holidays

off work but most people don't. How many on here worked on Columbus Day or even knew when it was? That was the day back in October that you got no mail. I was off work and wasn't even totally sure why at first. (I work for a bank.)

I can see election day the same way. Federal and state employees and Bank employees would be off. Most everyone else would have to work. If not, to get the extra day in NOvemeber off, people would lose Vet's day (the few who get that one) or they would more than likely lose the day after Thanksgiving--which is NOT a federal holiday. I had to work that day when everyone I knew was off.

What about retail/food services/social service employees? They would all work.
It is a nice idea but I think people would take off the Monday and use the 4 day weekend to take a short trip somewhere. We could end up with fewer voters.

Edit: A better way to increase participation is to encourage absentee voting. The ballot is mailed to you weeks before the election. You fill it out at home and mail it back in. You can "vote" at 3 am while lying in bed watching the late night news if you want.

[the ether]

8. STRIKE?

I'm thinking on calling for a Strike as a protest against the adminstration for this one in 2004. I think the people need to get out there this time, but your right promoting absentee voting could be effective in promoting participitation.