SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT, WAGERING, TOURISM & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

 

STATEMENT TO

 

SENATE RESOLUTION No. 55

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED:  FEBRUARY 2, 2023

 

      The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee reports favorably Senate Resolution No. 55.

     This resolution urges Congress to make Election Day, which occurs each year on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in the month of November, as a federal holiday in the United States.

     Voting is the most important civic duty granted to the public by the United States Constitution. By voting, the public is able to express their choice for who represents the country as public officials and lawmakers and for important public policy decisions.  However, it is essential to increase voter participation and turnout in order to ensure elections are truly representative of the public.  Designating Election Day as a federal holiday in the United States would increase voter turnout by easing some of the obstacles deterring voters and ensuring greater voter flexibility.  In addition, it would emphasize to the public that the election process, and each vote, matters.

     For these reasons, Congress is urged to make Election Day a federal holiday in the United States.