Election Day: Why Isn't It a Federal Holiday?

Let’s cut the crap—Election Day in the U.S. isn’t a national holiday, and it’s about as baffling as a raccoon in a tuxedo. You’d think that with all the hullabaloo surrounding elections, we’d at least carve out a day for citizens to exercise their democratic rights without the constraints of their 9-to-5 grind. But nope, here we are, stuck in the rat race while the nation decides who gets to run the show.

The Current State of Election Day

So, what gives? As it stands, Election Day 2024 is just another Tuesday in November—specifically, the Tuesday after the first Monday. This date was established back in 1845, which, let’s be real, feels like it was thumbed through by a dusty old tome of rules and regulations. Some states are a bit more generous, mandating that employees get paid time off to vote, but that’s not universal. It’s like a game of lottery—some win, others just get the short end of the stick. Check it out in this KGW article.

Should Election Day Be a Holiday?

Now, let’s stir the pot. Should Election Day be a federal holiday? This question is hotter than a jalapeño in a sauna. Some thinkers out there, like the folks at the Wisconsin State Journal, are pondering whether we ought to prioritize our elections just like we do with Independence Day or New Year’s. The argument is that if we can take a day off to celebrate our freedom, shouldn’t we also take a day off to exercise it?

Contrasting Holidays and Their Significance

In fact, there's a sharp contrast between the importance of voting and the celebration of some of our national holidays. A piece from the Jewish Journal lays it out pretty clearly—voting is a fundamental right and responsibility, whereas some holidays just feel like an excuse for a day off from our mundane lives. So why the hell are we prioritizing the latter over the former?

Let’s Talk About the Ethics

While we’re on the subject, let’s take a detour into the Ethical Life podcast. Hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada take a swing at the ethical implications of not making Election Day a federal holiday. They argue that it’s about time we reevaluate our holidays and consider what really matters in a democratic society. Spoiler alert: Columbus Day might not be it, but voting sure as hell should be. Want to hear more? Check it out here.

A Day Full of Useless Holidays

Let’s face it, our calendars are stuffed with holidays that are about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. We’ve got days for credit unions, mashed potatoes, and even raw milk cheese appreciation. But when it comes to something as vital as voting, we’re left high and dry. A piece from RealClearPolitics calls out this ridiculousness directly. It’s time to make a stand—let’s shove Election Day into the holiday spotlight and give it the respect it deserves.

The Historical Context

Why does this matter? Because historically, the U.S. has always been a bit of a hot mess when it comes to voting rights and accessibility. Just take a look at the Dallas Express article discussing the historical context of Election Day being on a random Tuesday. It’s a tradition that dates back to an age when horse-drawn carriages were the norm—hardly a fair comparison to today’s fast-paced society.

Conclusion: Time for Change?

In conclusion, if we’re going to be serious about our democracy, it’s high time we elevate Election Day to federal holiday status. We need to stop treating it like an afterthought and start recognizing it as the cornerstone of our political system. So, what’s it going to be, America? Are we ready to put our money where our mouth is and make voting a priority? The ball is in your court.

RADIOROGUE