With the elections in November in mind, politics is in the spotlight – and in particular the presidential elections.
The presidential election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, 2024. The ballot box is headed by the likely Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Former President Donald Trump leads the Republican list with his running mate, JD Vance, a U.S. Senator from Ohio.
READ MORE: Harris vs. Trump: Who’s ahead now? Latest numbers show how much the race has changed
Presidential Election Day occurs every four years on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Congress first designated this day for national elections in 1845, in part because many people lived far from polling places and it was believed they could travel on Monday and arrive at their destination the next day. November was a month after the busy harvest season.
According to America250.org, before this year, states could hold presidential elections within a 34-day period before the first Wednesday in November, a variance that caused problems as the country grew.
Election Day is not a federal holiday, meaning government offices remain open. However, government offices are closed in some states, including:
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Montana
- New Jersey
- new York
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- West Virginia
There have been several attempts over the years to make Election Day a federal holiday. Most recently, Democratic U.S. Representative Anna Eshoo of California introduced the Election Day Holiday Act to increase voter turnout.
“No one should be prevented from voting because they have to work or care for a family member,” Said MP Eshoo. “Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, and Congress must make voting easier, not harder. As we approach the presidential election this year, it is imperative that we reaffirm our commitment to voting rights and ensure that every voice is heard. Our democracy depends on it.”
According to a 2022 study, 26% of Americans who did not vote said they were too busy due to work obligations.
This and similar bills have been presented to Congress several times, but have not been able to gain lasting acceptance.
