Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB7329

Introduced
2/13/24  

Caption

Election Day Holiday Act of 2024

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would require all federal employees to have the day off on Election Day. It could also prompt state and local governments to follow suit, potentially influencing policies regarding public sector employees and encouraging businesses to provide time off for their employees to vote. Legislatively, it would serve to standardize the observance of Election Day nationwide, potentially alleviating existing disparities in access to voting, especially in areas where work schedules may limit participation.

Summary

House Bill 7329, known as the Election Day Holiday Act of 2024, proposes to amend title 5 of the United States Code to establish Election Day as a legal public holiday. The bill aims to enhance voter participation by making it easier for citizens to cast their ballots without the constraints of work obligations. By designating Election Day as a federal holiday, the bill seeks to promote civic engagement and ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to vote, thereby strengthening the democratic process.

Contention

While the notion of making Election Day a public holiday is generally supported, there may be debates surrounding the implications of such legislation. Potential critics might argue that it places an undue burden on small businesses or may lead to logistical challenges in ensuring that essential services are maintained. Additionally, there could be discussions related to the funding required for federal, state, and local agencies to implement this change and whether the benefits of increased voter participation will outweigh these costs.

Companion Bills

US HB11

Related Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

US SB2344

Related Freedom to Vote Act Voters’ Access to Water Act Right to Vote Act Automatic Voter Registration Act of 2023 Help America Run Act Government By the People Act of 2023 Restoring Integrity to America’s Elections Act Stop Super PAC–Candidate Coordination Act Spotlight Act Honest Ads Act DISCLOSE Act of 2023 Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2023 Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2023 Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2023 Democracy Restoration Act of 2023 Voter Registration Modernization Act of 2023 Voter Empowerment Act of 2023

US SB1

Related Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

US HB6267

Related Election Day Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.