Senator Clinton: Pro Day Off For Voting

New York's Junior Senator, Hillary Clinton, joined other Democrats yesterday in calling for a national holiday on Election Day to encourage voting. They are calling it the "Count Every Vote Act," which would do more than just make Election Day a day off. The act would provide verified paper ballots for votes cast on electronic machines, authorize additional monies for voting equipment, and allow ex-felons to vote. All by 2006. Gothamist can certainly get behind some of these changes as having every vote counted is pretty important. Especially as elections seem to be getting more and more contentious and electronic balloting is coming onto the scene.

But national holiday for voting? We're wondering if this would actually make voter turnout even lower as people would take Monday and Tuesday off for a nice four day weekend.

Speaking of long weekends, do people have plans for President's Day? Or are most people out there working?

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By tien mao in News on February 18, 2005 7:54 AM

Comments [rss]

jenny

In Detroit, the UAW was able to get the three auto companies to give workers that day off. It actually has increased voting in the area I believe. Part of the reason for the holiday was to get the UAW to use the muscle and give the state to someone they support, which may explain the high turnout.

Carolyn

I have thought about election day being a holiday for a while... after 9/11, which was a city election day I mentioned to one of my friends that maybe Sept. 11th should be made election day nationwide and be made a holiday as well. Here in New York as well as in DC and Pa. that day will always be remembered and I think what better way for everyone to recognize it, than to go out and vote.

I know that this would not be completely practical as 9/11 will not always be a Tuesday, could be a Sat. or Sun. when religious reasons would keep some people from voting etc. but from a basic point of view I really think that it would be the best way to memorialize the tragedy.