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Memorial to make federal election day a federal holiday passes after debate over reach and impact
Summary
Delegates passed a memorial asking Congress to make federal election day a federal holiday aimed at increasing voter participation; supporters said it would give more people time to vote, opponents said most workers would not be affected because federal holidays primarily cover federal employees.
Delegates debated a memorial asking Congress to designate federal election day as a federal holiday to boost turnout. Proponent Emmett Schultz argued the change would remove a barrier for people who cannot take time off work to vote and would increase civic participation.
Opponents noted that federal holidays directly affect primarily federal employees and that many essential workers and private-sector employees would still work, limiting immediate impact. Supporters countered that a federal holiday would set a precedent and encourage employers to offer the day off, and that increased awareness would help registration and turnout.
The chamber called the previous question and moved to a vote; the chair announced the memorial passed. The transcript records debate on practical impact but shows a majority supported the measure as a federal recommendation.
