Taking election day off

[ChrizJen]

Employers *should* be pressured to allow employees time to vote, IMO. Not the whole day but employees shouldn't feel they have to choose between their jobs and voting, and with the long lines we've seen in recent elections, I think that's becoming more and more an issue. Voting before work or on a lunch break has become impossible in many areas, which leaves those who cannot get to the polls after work in a difficult position.

Regardless of who wins, I hope the voter turnout in this election forces a long look at how to improve our system of voting to make it more accessible for everyone.

I agree 100%.
Slightly OT, but I think that the notion of holding elections on Tuesdays is antiquated and impractical. In today's society, think that it's discriminatory to many potential voters. I feel for any person who cannot vote because they can't afford to miss time from work. It can be very difficult for single parents and people who work two jobs to get out and vote. Yes, every employer is required to give you time off work to vote. But they aren't required to pay you for it. For some, those couple/few hours away from work are a big deal. I think that Obama is just trying to remind those people in particular that they have the RIGHT to vote even if it requires taking some time off from work.

I agree that the turnout for this election is probably going to make officials at least think about an election holiday or holding elections on weekends.