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Holidays generate more revenue for businesses and not just because they need to buy presents for everyone they've ever known. People (except a lot of customer service representatives like myself) get the day off from work. What else do they have to do but go out on the town, see a movie, go to dinner, and do some shopping.

If Election Day was a national holiday, I would think that would increase voter turn out. If colleges across America let students out of class for one Tuesday in November, it would increase the youth vote. November is that crucial point between midterms and finals for college students. If you didn't do well on the midterm you have to ace the final. It's also getting close to final papers and projects due dates. Most of the students I know will freak out if you ask them to do something when they have an assignment or an exam coming up. Colleges could let students out of class for a day and also encourage them to take a break from homework and studying by going out and voting.

I think that businesses should stress the importance of voting by closing their doors to let their employees vote. They could let them take the whole day off or just call it a half day like some places do for Christmas Eve. If it's impossible for businesses to close on a Tuesday, then extended lunch breaks could be given out so that the employees would have time to eat, take a break, and vote.

The Election Day holiday should not just be about voting, it should also be about family and patriotic gatherings, sort of like another Fourth of July. Americans could have barbecues, family get-togethers, community block parties, or just spend time playing with their kids. Election Day should be about being an American, having pride as a nation, and being a community. Charities could hold drives wherever the voters are gathering. Churches could offer services that morning and lunches for everyone.

Even television channels could offer family programming for the home-bodies. Movie marathons of Disney movies, family movies, and patriotic movies could be on different channels. Patriotic television shows could also be ran as a marathon. Of course, CNN and FOX News would have constant coverage of the election. There should be an over abundance of public service announcements for local and national causes.

Election Day should be more than just leaving the television on CNN and driving past the voting station thinking "I'll come back later." It should be about togetherness, being patriotic, and giving to those in need. A holiday is just what we need to get ready for the Thanksgiving and Christmas stress.

Learn more about this author, Niki Howlett.
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