In a world crowded with inconsequential observances, such as Credit Union Day and Mashed Potato Day, there exists a glaring omission on the federal calendar: Election Day. While many holidays hold insignificant weight at the national level, Election Day deserves recognition as an official federal holiday. Establishing this day as a non-working holiday, akin to Presidents’ Day or Thanksgiving, would provide citizens with the opportunity to fulfill their civic duty without the pressures of daily work commitments. Such a move would not only bolster voter turnout but also foster a sense of collective responsibility and morale among the populace.
The designation of Election Day as a federal holiday would streamline the voting process by reducing the need for modifications like mail-in or early voting. By encouraging in-person voting as the standard practice, policymakers could minimize the occurrences of absentee ballots and allow for a return to paper ballots. This shift could assuage the controversies surrounding voting machines, which have faced significant scrutiny since the 2020 elections. While the extent to which these technologies and ballot methods increase the risk of election manipulation is debatable, the general sense of disillusionment among Americans regarding their electoral system is undeniable. The proposal to make Election Day a holiday emerges as a potential remedy to these issues.
A majority of Americans, particularly essential workers, would still be able to vote in person, thereby addressing concerns about the integrity of votes and the potential for loss through mail-in ballots. A system where physical votes are cast, subsequently counted by volunteers at polling places, could restore public confidence in the electoral process. This proposition, espoused by influential figures like Vivek Ramaswamy during the 2024 election, addresses broader issues of election integrity while simultaneously nurturing a patriotic sentiment through a shared civic engagement.
Emphasizing civic virtue is paramount in reminding citizens of the value of democracy, particularly in the backdrop of a world where tyranny has historically prevailed over democratic governance. Celebrating and preserving the U.S. democratic principles, which rest on consensus rather than power, requires concrete examples that resonate with the populace. Physical annual observances play a critical role in maintaining awareness of abstract democratic values. In this context, instituting a national voting day could symbolize the strength and resilience of democracy, sending a message to both citizens and the world about the effectiveness of the American political experiment.
When election day transforms into a communal event, it would foster a culture of participation and celebration around civic engagement. Imagining vibrant gatherings around voting day—be it brunches before casting ballots or barbecues afterward—could transform the way citizens view their electoral responsibilities. Such rituals would highlight citizenship as an inherent part of community life, much like other cherished holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving. The anticipation for Election Day could usher a new generation into civic participation, ensuring the continuation of democratic involvement for years to come.
In a nation increasingly divided over cultural celebrations, it is essential to establish unifying experiences that resonate across diverse communities. The introduction of a federal holiday for voting would serve as a concrete step toward rebuilding a shared national culture, emphasizing the values enshrined in America’s founding ideals. A holiday centered around participating in elections would not only bring individuals together but also reaffirm the importance of shared democratic practices in a time of division. Ultimately, the proposal aims to revitalize the spirit of civic duty among Americans, enriching the broader national narrative and encouraging a more engaged and united society.
