October 27, 1998

Election Day: Important or Not?

The October, 1998 issue of The Atlantic Monthly magazine carried an article by Martin P. Wattenberg entitled "Should Election Day Be a Holiday?" Fortified with numerous compelling facts and figures, Wattenberg's piece makes a strong argument for the designation of an official Election Day holiday. This really is an excellent idea because it would give people more time to make cogent, careful political choices. Voting is serious–and often complicated–business; it's not always easy to navigate your way through today's ballots. First of all, voters are frequently required to consider multiple candidates for one office on a single ballot. In addition, ballots often contain lengthy resolutions, propositions, and referendums. If voters don't have some time to study the ballots before making their decisions, they might vote incorrectly…..or not at all. We need to increase the number of eligible, well-informed citizens at the polls, and an Election Day holiday would encourage a broader participation of thoughtful voters. Wattenberg's article concludes with a suggestion to join Election Day with Veteran's Day and call the resulting holiday Veteran's Democracy Day. Whatever its name, however, an Election Day holiday is certainly worth trying and should have the full support of all political parties.   James C. Benerofe October 27, 1998 Editorial #12