This New York politician wants Election Day to be on a Saturday
amny Credit: Getty Images
We're so busy during the week -- who can find time to vote in presidential elections on a Tuesday? If one New York congressman has his way, you'll be able to push it off until the weekend.
Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.) is proposing a bill along with Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) that would move Election Day to the first weekend in November, rather than the first Tuesday of the month, The Hill reported.
Only 25¢ for 5 months
We're so busy during the week -- who can find time to vote in presidential elections on a Tuesday? If one New York congressman has his way, you'll be able to push it off until the weekend.
Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.) is proposing a bill along with Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) that would move Election Day to the first weekend in November, rather than the first Tuesday of the month, The Hill reported.
Under the legislation, polls would be open from 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of November to 6 p.m. on the following Sunday, with local election officials having the option to keep polls open overnight.
The point of the switch, the politicians contend, is to maximize voter turnout by making elections more convenient.
"Voting is a fundamental responsibility for all Americans, and the system should be as accessible as possible for as many as possible," Larson reportedly said in a statement. "By moving Election Day from a single day in the middle of the workweek to a full weekend, we are encouraging more working Americans to participate."
The current system holding Election Day on the first Tuesday in November was adopted in 1845. Tuesday was the "court day," when farmers would come to town for business. But that system doesn't fit in the 21st century, Israel and Larson said.
Remembering 9/11: Where things stand now As we remember those we lost on 9/11, we're looking at the ongoing battle to secure long term protection for first responders and the latest twists and turns in the cases of the accused terrorists.