countries where election day is a national holiday

To look through the stats for voter turnout for other countries, you can visit the website for the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) and explore the data. And even a number of the blue countries, such as Australia and Canada, are actually the product of colonialism. (And in case youre curious, November was chosen as the month for similar reasons: It was after fall harvest was over but before the cold winter weather set in.). Elections Held on Tuesdays?, britannica.com (accessed Sep. 30, 2019), Evan Andrews, "Election 1010: Why Do We Vote on a Tuesday in November?, history.com, Aug. 31, 2018, Grace Panetta and Olivia Reaney, "Today Is National Voter Registration Day. All this despite the fact that these types of restrictions have typically been considered illegal under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which requires that elections be equally open to all people. [1] The decision was made taking into account farmers, a large portion of the voting constituency at the time, who would not have been able to travel to polling places in winter months or during planting or harvest times. "Election Day should be a national holiday so that everyone has the time and opportunity to vote," Sanders' website reads. Would making Election Day a federal holiday increase voter turnout and celebrate democracy? Again, it is not clear that this is demonstrably true but it is a widespread perception. In fact, these voters may be more likely to have to work as a result of a federal election holiday, where they may have had time off previously on a random Tuesday in November. Some businesses may close, but their hourly paid employees will either have to use a PTO day or not get paid.. The United States has held federal elections on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years since 1845. While the Republican efforts are shrouded in their supposed desire to protect the integrity of elections, there is no evidence of significant voter fraud in recent elections, including presidential election in 2020. In the United States, it varies from state to state and even county to county, so the idea that one entire country might use the same voting method is actually pretty unique to Americans! Concentrating voters into a single day risks congesting polling places, even more so than some already are. Saudi Arabia's marks the 1932 unification of the country. Is Election Day a Federal Holiday? - NBC Chicago So when faced with choices like having to take unpaid time off work to vote, waking at the wee hours of the morning to vote so that they're not late to work, standing in hours-long lines with everyone else who waited until after the workday to cast their ballot, or simply not voting at all, many choose the latter. For example, in Ecuador, only literate citizens between 18 and 65 are required to vote; those over 65 or who are not literateare not required. The pros and cons of the felon voting debate include arguments about the social contract, voting while in prison, and paying debts. Indigenous Peoples Day is a local and state holiday in some parts of the country usually held on Columbus Day that celebrates the cultures of Native Americans. So the question of how you label Ireland goes back to which holiday you consider its national day. Keep in mind that in the mid-1800s, the U.S. was largely an agricultural society. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Elections to the European Parliament take place over a period of four days (i.e., Thursday through to Sunday), according to the election days of the EU members states (as listed above). In many other democracies around the world, national elections are held on the weekend or are a federal holiday. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. A 2018 Pew survey found that the majority of Americans (65%) would be in favor of turning Election Day into a national holiday that includes 71% of Democratic-leaning voters and 59% of Republican-leaning voters. As for Denmark, it has a national liberation day and some people celebrate international worker's day, but neither is a public holiday. Make Election Day a national holiday - Brookings We also know that countries that have marked their election days as federal events see higher voting turnouts than the United States. the Tuesday that occurs within November 2 to November 8. The bill would also effectively revive Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which requires states with a history of voter discrimination have all changes to their election laws approved by the federal government, updating the law in response to the Supreme Courts 2013 holding in Shelby County v. Holder. Right now, federal elections are always held on Tuesdays, because farmers in the 1840s needed multiple days to get to the . ", "National Electoral Code Article 53 and 148", Report of the 2014 National Lawyers Guild Bolivian Election Observation Delegation, Voting hours for elections in EU Member States, "The Parliamentary Electoral System in Denmark", Consultation Report on Review of Electoral Arrangements, "India Elects 2019: The World's Largest Election, Explained", "Six Nations match at the centre of row over election date - Independent.ie", "With full term possible, Netanyahu may outlast Ben-Gurion (and Obama)", Confessionalism and Electoral Reform in Lebanon, "Voters reminded not to reveal voting intention at Sunday's polling", "Malaysia's election on a Wednesday favors PM, opposition says", "Elections in Mexico and the US: Comparisons and contrasts", "Law on Election of Councillors and Members of Parliament", "Election Days General Elections 1853-2011", "The main features of the Norwegian electoral system", "Tribunal Electoral de Panam convoca a elecciones generales de 2024", "Peru Can Give U.S. [3] In 1800, 83% of the American labor force was agrarian, but today only 11% of total US employment is agriculture-related. In addition to honoring the sacrifices veterans have made, it would remind Americans that voting is a national duty, an obligation both to one another and to the nation; and it would strengthen American democratic political culture, by way of new rituals and traditions, Jill Lepore a Harvard professor of American history wrote in an essay for Politico. If so, how? 2. 5. [23], Annie McDonald, Editor of the Berkeley Public Policy Journal, noted that the workers who are least likely to get paid holidays are those who already have less of a voice in the political process: Americans working in retail, hospitality, and service jobs, for example, would most likely not receive the benefit of a paid holiday to vote. The U.S. lags scores of other countries in election participation, ranking 26th out of 32 nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), according to the Pew. In 2005, the American Bar Association looked at a few different methods of voting: in 1989 in Namibia, voters marked an X on ballots using ink on their fingers; in Bulgaria, rather than marking a ballot, voters pick from any number of sheets of paper representing specific political parties and puts it in a ballot box; and in Ireland, "they designate their top three candidates by numbering them 1, 2, and 3." Election Day is observed on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, taking place on November 7 this year. - Vincent Hutchings, a University of Michigan political science professor, - Gil Troy, American presidential historian, Whether accurate or not, elected officials likely think that making it easier to vote would advantage one party traditionally it is believed to help the Democrats at the, Joaquin Corbalan / EyeEm via Getty Images, as travel and communication improved in the 19th century, being too busy or having a conflicting schedule, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, substantially increase the cost of running elections, move that would make it easier for Americans to vote, The types of workers least likely to reap the benefits. Election Day - Tuesday, Nov. 8 - is a special day, with voters casting ballots across the country. At the top of his list: making Election Day a national holiday. a list of voting rights provisions he would support. When turnout is high, it becomes increasingly fruitless for politicians to play to their base in ways that allow a vocal minority to rule, which is how many American leaders currently operate. Omissions? I am from Malta - a tiny EU island nation and today we celebrate the shipwreck of St. Paul on our island. [9], Former Editor-in-Chief of the Northwestern University Law Review, Beau C. Tremitiere, JD, stated, The demands of school and work schedules keep millions of Americans, especially those with children or long commutes, from ever getting to their polling stations The ideal solution is simple: Congress should make Election Day a national holiday, or move Election Day to the weekend. [10] A holiday would allow more citizens volunteer at polling places or drive the elderly to vote, and make a difference in states where long lines at the polls keep voters waiting for hours. As Congress continues to grapple with voting rights legislation this week, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has used his considerable influence as the Senates key swing vote to set the terms of the debate. [26] Creating laws in all states that let people vote before or after work would be more effective than a national holiday, which would quickly be viewed as just another day off to enjoy. Litigation pending before the Supreme Court this term in Brnovich v. DNC, however, threatens to undermine this rule. [10][11]] He thinks the increased options afforded by early and mail-in voting could be undermined by making Election Day a holiday, creating "a solution in search of a problem.". Do you think it's time for the US to follow their lead? And even if it were a federal holiday, that wouldn't ensure that all voting-age Americans would have the day off. Let us make it as easy as we can," Sanders told CBS News. https://www.britannica.com/question/Should-election-day-be-made-a-national-holiday. Vote.org has called on Amazon, Disney, McDonald's and others to offer paid time off for employees to vote and or work the polls. While these provisions represent major steps in the right direction, they are not enough. So, workers having a day off to vote wouldn't be a disruption to the economy, or anything a citizen of our country could deny would be worthwhile and smart thing to do. Other politicians, businesses, and advocacy groups have voiced their approval of celebrating Election Day as a national holiday. To make Election Day a national holiday, it would take an act of Congress, and so far, no bills proposing such action have passed. However, those numbers may be attributed to a combination of factors not solely because their elections occur on non-work days. Experts told CBS News that it's no coincidence this is occurring in a year when Americans have more time and more ways to vote than ever before. Meanwhile, in Macedonia this past September, voters chose to stay away from the polls because of the proposed name change for the country. The number of early votes cast before Election Day 2020, as of Nov. 1, neared the 100 million mark according to data aggregated by the U.S. While some states have made Election Day a civic holiday (though it primarily applies to public workers) and most have laws that require companies to give employees some time off to vote, none of the legislative efforts to enact these changes on a national level have been successful. CBS News reporter covering climate change and energy. Even people youd expect to know, like politicians, have been stumped by this very question. In Sweden, for example, 83% of registered voters participated in the 2014 national . A cemetery posted a personal ad for a goose whose mate died. US voter turnout trails most developed countries. There is no fixed election day for general elections, although since 1986 every general election has been held on Sunday. Read More, Election Day is a holiday in Puerto Rico. Presidential elections are held every four years, in years divisible by four, while the elections to the . 25, 2016, Chris Talgo, "Make Election Day a National Holiday? President Obama likes the idea of changing the way or the day Americans vote. Georgia grassroots groups helped Biden win. [14][35] In Australia, where voting is mandatory, elections are celebrated with parties and barbeques nationwide, resulting in turnout rates around 90%. We are very proud that we are mentioned in the Bible. Change often comes slowly, subtly. Russia's national holiday only goes back to 1992, when the Russian Federation was founded. by country by date Sunday: first Sunday of February for the President, Vice-President, and Legislative Assembly; second Sunday of February for municipal elections. Others say a holiday would disadvantage low-income and blue collar workers and corporations should have better policies for voting time off. Have you experienced an election day in another country, or do you know how voting works in a place we haven't mentioned here? 4) The outliers are few but tell you a lot about those . John M. Cunningham, "Why Are U.S. Others have suggested making Veterans Day (Nov. 11), which is already a paid national holiday, Election Day. And there is no better way to secure democracy than to ensure that everyone has not only the right to vote, but also the meaningful opportunity to cast their ballots. In Australia, all citizens of age to vote are required, and if they fail to do so, they face fines. Runoffs take place on the last Sunday of the same October. Whether accurate or not, elected officials likely think that making it easier to vote would advantage one party at the expense of the other party.. "With the variety of challenges that election officials face, [making Election Day a holiday] is well down on the list of those things that need to be addressed," Becker said. In fact, in Estonia, the option tovoteonlineis becoming increasingly popular. Should Election Day Be a Holiday? - Homepage | Morningside Center for In many countries, general elections are always held on a Saturday or Sunday, to enable as many voters as possible to participate; while in other countries elections are always held on a weekday.However, some countries, or regions within a country, which hold elections on a weekday declare election day a public holiday. Where is Election Day a holiday? - The Fulcrum 3. Elections are federal holidays in Singapore, which, when combined with mandatory voting, resulted in a voter turnout of 93.6% for the 2015 election of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. 14, 2019, BBC, "Singapore Election: Governing Party Secure Decisive Win, bbc.com, Sep. 12, 2015, Holly Jackson, "It's Time to Make Election Day a Holiday in Law and Spirit," washingtonpost.com, Oct. 22, 2018, BCP Associates, "India Elections 2019 - Declaration of Paid Holiday on Polling Day, bcpassociates.com, Apr. Should People Who Have Completed Felony Sentences Be Allowed to Vote? Japan formally celebrates the anniversary of an ancient mythical emperor, although the holiday is mostly ignored today, due in part to its connections with Japan's ugly imperial history. At least 10 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, The Saturday Six: Dental device controversy, scientist's bug find and more, Indonesia fuel depot fire kills 18; more than a dozen missing, Biden had cancerous skin lesion removed last month, doctor says, Tom Sizemore, actor known for "Saving Private Ryan" and "Heat," dies at 61, Defense lawyers in Idaho killings case want gag order kept, Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders of wife and son. - Zkon o podmienkach vkonu volebnh", "The Effectiveness of Early Voting A Case Study of the Republic of Korea", "Ley Orgnica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Rgimen Electoral General", "Elections in Venezuela and Pennsylvania: Lessons in Democracy? ProCon.org. Updates? Sometimes, specific ballot measures can influence voter turnout: in the UK, the Brexit vote resulted in a 72% turnout, slightly higher than the average of 69%. / CBS News. [24] Holidays usually mean more work hours for retail workers, because stores run promotions and sales. Mail-in voting starts 1 month before polls open. Rather than make it a national holiday where inevitably people will still have to work, change election day to election week. [12], The idea that voting should be a celebration, not a chore is one argument for turning Election Day into a national holiday, according to Archon Fung, PhD, and Jane Mansbridge, PhD, professors at the Harvard Kennedy School. Incidentally, Australia routinely reaches more than 90. Some countries, about 27 of them,make voting compulsory. Proponents say the Electoral College ensures everyone selects the president. [6] Election Day could be made a holiday if a bill were passed by the House and Senate then signed into law by the president. In the 2016 election, only 56% of voting-age Americans cast their ballots. Some say a holiday would increase voter turnout by enabling more people to vote while celebrating democracy. Rose Marcario, CEO, stated, demonstrating your companys commitment to voting will reinforce how essential it is that every eligible voter shows up. 2 men found drugged after leaving NYC gay bars were killed, medical examiner says, Battleground Tracker: Tight race in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Lindsey Graham appears before Georgia grand jury, House Jan. 6 committee is having conversations with Justice Department, Georgia grand jury investigating Trump wants testimony from Giuliani, Graham, Trump election interference grand jury to hear from Raffensperger, DHS IG says Wolf changed intel report on Russian interference in 2020. Essential reporting and analysis from correspondents around the world. But experts say improving voter turnout is a complicated issue that no single silver bullet strategy can solve. Modern life operates around the clock. Should Election Day be a national holiday? The ideal solution is simple: Congress should make Election Day a national holiday, or move Election Day to the weekend. Is Election Day a national holiday? Why you don't get the day off Currently, 22 countries around the world have mandatory voting, and ten of those countries enforce the policy, including Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Peru, and Switzerland. Election Day isn't a national holiday in the US, but some people think it should be. According to the Pew Research Center, of the thirty-six nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the U.S. is one of nine that votes on a week day, and one of seven that doesn't designate election day a national holiday.



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