By Executive Order, Declare This Election Day a Holiday, or At Least Close the Government Half-Day

Voter turnout is a democracy’s lifeblood. Pres Obama said “If 99% of us voted it wouldn’t matter how much the 1% spends on elections.” Yet US turnout is dismal, never breaking 60% since 1968, ranking near last of developed democracies. Many people—35% of non-voters—don’t vote due to lack of time during a busy workday. Obama has clear legal authority (5-USC-6103) to declare a holiday this Election Day or close the government half-day, by Executive Order. Presidents from Johnson to Obama routinely use Exec. Orders to close the gov’t when Christmas Eve falls near weekends or when former presidents die—proving the cost of occasional half-day holidays is reasonable. Pres Obama could send a powerful signal and revitalize our democracy by declaring a holiday or half-day closing this Nov-8.