Urging Congress to designate election day as a national holiday.
If passed, this resolution could lead to significant changes at the federal level concerning how elections are perceived and conducted. By establishing election day as a national holiday, it aims to eliminate obstacles that prevent citizens from participating in the electoral process. This could potentially increase voter participation and ensure that more people can take part in elections without the burden of work obligations. The resolution calls for government action to facilitate the responsibilities of citizenship effectively.
HCR12 is a concurrent resolution that urges the United States Congress to designate the Tuesday after the first Monday in November as a legal public holiday, affecting each even-numbered year, including future elections starting in 2020. The resolution emphasizes the need for increased voter turnout, which has been notably low in the United States compared to other established democracies, where turnout exceeds 80%. It highlights the difficulties many Americans face in balancing work and family commitments with the opportunity to vote, contributing to these low turnout rates.
There may be notable points of contention surrounding HCR12, particularly in discussions about implementation and the potential economic impacts of granting a national holiday. Some may raise concerns about the effects on businesses, particularly small enterprises, and whether this could lead to operational challenges. Furthermore, debates could arise over the necessity of such a holiday in addressing the root causes of low voter turnout, as well as the implications for local governments and their ability to manage election logistics.