Proposal to Make Election Day a Federal Holiday and Mandate In-Person Voting

Introduction

Ethan Watson, a contributor to RealClearPolitics, has proposed that Election Day should be recognized as a federal holiday. This would mean that non-essential workers would receive a paid day off to fulfill their civic duty of voting. Watson argues that making Election Day a federal holiday could increase voter turnout, restore faith in the electoral process, and improve national morale through a shared civic activity.

Election Day as a Federal Holiday

According to Watson, making Election Day a federal holiday and providing workers with a day off could reduce the need for mail-in voting and early voting. This would pave the way for policymakers to mandate in-person voting, except in special circumstances. Such a move could also facilitate a return to paper ballots, thereby eliminating the need for voting machines, which have been embroiled in controversy since 2020.

Restoring Faith in Elections

There are differing opinions about mail-in voting and voting machines. Some people believe that mail-in voting is susceptible to manipulation, while others argue that voting machines are prone to hacking and glitches. Watson suggests that a significant number of Americans have lost faith in the electoral process, as well as in the media, the government, and even their friends and neighbors. He believes that if most Americans had the day off work and voted in person using paper ballots, many common doubts about the electoral system would be resolved.

Support for the Proposal

Prominent right-wing figures like Vivek Ramaswamy have supported this proposal, citing concerns about election integrity. Watson argues that making Election Day a federal holiday could do more than just address these concerns; it could also foster patriotism through a new shared tradition.

The Importance of Civic Virtue

Watson underscores the importance of civic virtue and public reminders of it. He believes that a mass movement of Americans to the polls every year could become a powerful symbol of the resilience of democracy. Furthermore, he suggests that dedicating an entire day to voting could inspire people to participate in state and local elections, which often have a greater impact on their daily lives than national elections.

The Social Aspect of Voting

Watson envisions a scenario where voting becomes a celebrated ritual, with pre-voting brunches and post-voting barbecues. Families could vote together in the morning and then spend the rest of the day enjoying their freedom and leisure. This could help to foster a shared culture and a sense of national unity.

Conclusion

Ethan Watson is a Young Voices contributor who is currently pursuing a Master of Accounting degree at the University of Kansas. He holds dual undergraduate degrees in Accounting and Political Science and is considering attending law school in the near future.

Bottom Line

Watson's proposal to make Election Day a federal holiday and require in-person voting is certainly thought-provoking. It raises questions about the best ways to increase voter turnout, restore faith in the electoral process, and foster a sense of national unity. What are your thoughts on this proposal? Do you think it could be an effective way to address these issues? We encourage you to share this article with your friends and join the discussion. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.