It seems absurd that in a country based on democracy and freedom, we make it so difficult for some of its citizens to vote. Many of the most powerful nations around the world hold their main elections over the weekend or as national holidays. But the U.S. opts to hold its country’s most important day on a Tuesday—a day when the majority of American voters have to work.
In some states, there are no laws that require voters to receive time off to go to the polls. That means, in those states, it’s up to employers to decide whether or not to “grant” their employees the opportunity to vote. How incredibly wrong is that? Home of the free? Hardly. And some employers who do give time off, often only give employees two to three hours to get the job done. What if the drive and wait line is much longer, which seems to be the case more and more in this country?
American citizens should not have to ask permission to vote. They should not feel they are going to risk upsetting their bosses if they take time away from their jobs to vote. It boils down to this. The disadvantaged don’t have the luxury of voting, if that means giving up pay needed for their family’s food, gas, and utility bills.
A petition has been created, aimed at helping Americans create Elections Day changes by being pro-active. Now at 152k signatures, here is the petition link followed by the petition text:
To sign the petition, click here.
President Obama,
I urge you to use your authority to make the November 8th, 2016, Election Day a one-time federal holiday.
As you know, our democracy is in crisis. Fewer than 40% of Americans voted in our last midterm election, and our overall turnout rarely breaks 60%. That puts us at 120th out of 169 countries for average voter turnout. This is unacceptable for a country founded on the bold idea of a democracy for and by the people.
Instead of taking actions to make voting more accessible, some in positions of power are implementing more and more voter suppression tactics, most of which resulted from the Supreme Court’s gutting of the historic Voting Rights Act. Since this decision, nearly every state has introduced bills to make voting harder, and many states have done just that through discriminatory voter photo ID bills or drastic cuts to early voting days, same day registration, and other suppressive measures.
This is all on top of our problematic voting infrastructure that leaves poor communities and communities of color stuck in prohibitively long lines at polls during every national election.
I am not willing to stand by and let this be the America I live in.
That is why I am calling on you to restore democracy and make the 2016 Election Day a one-time federal holiday – and thereby give all states and businesses permission to follow your lead.
This will be a concrete step toward increasing access to voting by giving busy families more time to vote while decreasing lines at the peak times before and after work. And this executive action will help shine a well-needed spotlight on poor turnout and voting access in this country. It would be a step in the right direction toward making the polling place more – not less – accessible.
I urge you to lead on this issue and help us take this important step toward reclaiming the democracy we deserve.
Prioritize democracy above all else for just one day.
Thank you,
Here is the Petition Link
There is a coalition of 14 organizations whose goal is to make American’s Election Day a holiday giving more Americans the opportunity to vote. One of alliance members, Brave New Films, created a video. Here is the short clip followed by the transcription:
Video Transcription:
In America, we celebrate everything. So doesn't Democracy, the thing that makes America, America -deserve an Election Day Holiday? Voting should be easy, but people in power are making it anything but: The Supreme Court gutted the voting rights act- To impede voters at every step of the process. You now have to show ID you never had to show before. Now they are making it extremely difficult for black communities to get licenses in order to vote.
Ohio will shorten early voting by six days. The target is minorities and low income families.
So many people have fought for our right to vote. When any American waits for seven hours just to cast their ballot, we are betraying our ideals. Getting the day to vote would be a huge step in the right direction for us.
To help create a 2016 Election Day holiday, sign the petition here.
The president can make 2016 Election Day a national paid holiday by using a one-time executive order that would apply to federal workers throughout the country. It will take an act of Congress to make Election Day a holiday for all Americans. The current Republican lawmakers who control the majority in Congress are, sadly, not known for acting in the people’s best interest. Such a change may not happen until Democrats regain majority, and that may not happen until more citizens are able to get out to vote.
Elections determine our lawmakers. Lawmakers determine our laws. Laws can determine the quality or lack of quality in our daily lives. It’s time to take control of our democracy. If you agree, please share this petition and video within your social networks.
*The 14 organizations sponsoring this campaign are:
Daily Kos
Brave New Films
Common Cause
Courage Campaign
CPD Action
Crooks & Liars
Democracy for America
Democracy Matters
Left Action
People For the American Way
The Nation
The Other 98%
US Uncut
Why Tuesday