[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 4, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E23-E24]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             INTRODUCTION OF THE DEMOCRACY DAY ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 4, 2005

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce the Democracy Day 
Act of 2005, legislation that would establish each Tuesday,

[[Page E24]]

after the first Monday in November (in even-numbered years), as a legal 
public holiday.
  The Democracy Day Act of 2005 is designed to respond to the alarming 
trend of voters being unable to cast their vote due to work or other 
important commitments. According to a recent Census Bureau study, 
nearly 25 percent of eligible voters cited time constraints or busy 
work and school schedules as the primary reason for failing to vote in 
the past 2000 presidential election. The creation of a federal election 
holiday would help address this problem by providing many hardworking 
Americans with the necessary time off from work so they can vote. 
Furthermore, the bill would have the added benefit of: Increasing the 
number of available election day judges, poll workers and suitable 
polling places; decreasing long lines and the overcrowding that occurs 
during peak times on election day; and reinforcing the notion that 
voting is an important civic duty.
  This Congress must ensure that every American has an equal 
opportunity to participate in the voting process. Enacting the 
``Democracy Day Act of 2005'' would be a crucial first step towards 
achieving that objective.
  The legislation is strongly supported by a wide array of voting 
rights and labor organizations.

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