Why Republicans Oppose Making Election Day a Federal Holiday: An Analysis of Voter Suppression

Introduction

The debate over whether Election Day should be a federal holiday has been contentious. While proponents argue that it would make voting more accessible and encourage higher turnout, opponents, particularly Republicans, often cite concerns about voter fraud and infringement on their conservative constituents' freedoms. This article delves into the reasons behind Republican opposition to this proposal, focusing on voter suppression tactics and the underlying political motives.

Background and Context

The concept of making Election Day a federal holiday surfaces periodically, with arguments centered around increased voter participation and convenience. However, Republicans have consistently opposed this idea, often for veiled reasons of voter suppression. This opposition is rooted in the belief that higher voter turnout could empower the opposition and undermine their candidates' electoral chances.

Conservative Concerns and Voter Suppression

Democrats and progressives argue that making Election Day a federal holiday would benefit working-class individuals who have difficulty taking the day off from work. Ernest Niebergall, a Republican strategist, notes that 'more people could get to the polls, where working on election day keeps people from the polls or have to face long lines in a short period of time as people head to the polls after leaving work.' This highlights the contentious issue of time and accessibility, which disproportionately affects marginalized communities.

FURTHER, THEOPPOSITE PARTY ARE AFRAID OFINCREASED TURNOUT. THE MORE PEOPLE VOTE, THE LESS CHANCE THEIR CANDIDATE WOULD WIN.

Conservative politicians often cite voter suppression as the main reason for their opposition. As Republican strategist Paul Ryan argues, 'because they want to limit those who vote whenever and wherever possible. Reduce the eligible voting population to the privileged, the affluent, those who least wish to change the status quo.' This assertion underscores the fear of 'mob rule' and the desire to maintain the current political landscape.

Conservative Tactics and Voter Suppression

The Republican opposition is not limited to the idea of a federal holiday; they have also actively worked against postal voting and have removed polling stations in key areas. For instance, during the 2020 election, former President Donald Trump's teams removed mailboxes in several voting districts, a clear tactic to suppress mail-in voting. This pattern of behavior demonstrates a concerted effort to diminish the impact of certain voting methods that are more accessible to particular demographics.

Alternatives to a Federal Election Day Holiday

Some conservatives have proposed alternative solutions, such as expanding early voting and increasing the number of polling locations. As Nelson Mandela put it, 'a far better idea is postal voting so people can vote at home without being rushed.' While these suggestions aim to make voting more convenient, they do not address the fundamental issue of accessibility for all voters, which remains a significant concern.

Conservative-leaning individuals who are generally fine with the traditional voting system but recognize the need for improvement often advocate for these changes. They believe that a federal holiday is not the best solution and that expanding early voting and increasing polling locations would be more effective in enhancing voter turnout.

Conclusion

The opposition to making Election Day a federal holiday by Republicans is rooted in a complex web of voter suppression tactics and political motivations. The desire to maintain the status quo and limit eligible voter populations is a clear factor driving their stance. It is crucial to understand these underlying issues to address and combat voter suppression effectively and to ensure that the electoral process remains democratic and inclusive for all citizens.