A Patchwork of Policies
While Election Day isn't a federal holiday in the United States, many American adults find themselves at work on this crucial day. This can pose a challenge for those who want to exercise their right to vote. Fortunately, 28 states and numerous companies have stepped up to guarantee workers time off to vote, ensuring they don't face a financial penalty for participating in the democratic process.
The absence of a federal law guaranteeing voting leave creates disparities across the country. In some states, workers might have to choose between earning a living and casting their ballot. Recognizing this issue, Representative Anna Eshoo introduced the Election Day Holiday Act earlier this year, aiming to make Election Day a federal holiday. This would eliminate the need for individual state laws and ensure consistent access to voting for all Americans.
The need for such a measure is underscored by studies showing that work obligations prevent a significant portion of the population from voting. In the 2020 presidential election, 26% of Americans reported being unable to vote due to work or other commitments. This highlights the importance of removing barriers to participation and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to make their voice heard.
Historically, the scheduling of Election Day on a Tuesday reflects the needs of 19th-century farmers. Back then, Tuesday was chosen as it allowed farmers to attend church on Sunday, travel to town on Monday, and still have time to vote before returning to their agricultural duties. However, this schedule doesn't align with the realities of modern working life, where many Americans have jobs that require them to be present on weekdays.
To address this challenge, several states have adopted measures like early voting and mail-in balloting, offering more flexibility for voters. Additionally, companies like Levi Strauss, Patagonia, and PayPal have joined the Time to Vote initiative, committing to providing their employees with time off to vote. This growing movement demonstrates a commitment from both the public and private sectors to facilitate voter participation.
While the patchwork of policies across states and companies offers some solutions, a federal law guaranteeing voting leave would provide a more comprehensive and equitable approach. This would ensure that all Americans, regardless of their location or employer, have the opportunity to participate in our democracy without sacrificing their livelihood.