William Larsen

Let's Have A Holiday!

Low voter turn out is a real embarrassment when you think about it. In many countries they have no right to vote or if they can vote, there is only one candidate allowed. I have spoken to many that do not vote and have been told several reasons.

Many think that registering to vote increases the chance of being called to jury duty. The reason they do not want to sit on a jury is they cannot afford to take the time off from work. The jury pool selection comes from a ombination of sources with driver’s licenses and voter registration being the largest lists. If you have a driver’s license, your name is in the jury pool.

Many have two jobs. Many have to be at work at 6:00 AM when the polls open and with a second job, they just do not have time.

Then there is the family and kids answer. I have to be home when the kids get on the bus and then go to work. By the time I get home, take the kids to their activity the polls are closed.

They cannot go at lunch becuase their polling location is across town and they get only 1/2 hour for lunch.

In Indiana the polls open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM. For most of us, we work during the day. This means if we all voted either before or after work we would crowd the polls. Its a fact the two busiest times to vote is before and after work. It is this waiting or delay getting to work that is the most concern to people. If your work schedule is such that you are off between 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, then it is much easier to vote. Pick a time when few vote: in and out quickly.

I propose in order to honor our forefathers and their sacrifices made in the building of this great land, that we give up Presidents Day as a national holiday and in its place we have Election Day as a national holiday. What better way to honor all our forefathers than to show respect by voting in support of what they created.

posted by William Larsen @ 7:07 PM