The Atlanta journal constitution interviewed me on January 23, 2020 about a “Bill” HB782 that I introduced to make Election Day a holiday. This would happen the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
Let me start by saying, as nation we have not fully lived up to the ideals of our Constitution. Ensuring this Republic utilize Representative Democracy.
First of all when our Constitution was written this was a much different country. Elections were conducted after the harvest and people had to sometimes travel by horse drawn carriages hundreds of miles in order to vote. We have come a long way since then.
It is disingenuous for Election Officials (Georgia (U.S. state) Secretary of State) to say that making Election Day a holiday would be “the worst thing that can be done for blue collar and retail workers, especially those with children.” It would be no different than any other holiday. If it has the participation of most businesses then it work like any of the other holidays. Even through current law allows employees 2hrs of paid time to go vote on Election Day most employers do not honor it. Base on my personal experience even with early voting the hours still fail to help those who work nights and weekends. I’m not confident that this Bill will get a Hearing because I don’t have the power to move it the floor for a vote…the Speaker of the House does.
With the “budget” being the main focus of the 2020 session, it doesn’t look good but I want you to know, I will continues fight for our Constitution, Representative Democracy and for ensuring VOTING is a priority.