A Pennsylvania state Senator has introduced a bill that would make Election Day an official state holiday.
The measure, introduced by state Senator John I Kane (D-ChesCo- DelCo) was referred to the state government committee last week.
The bill calls for primary, municipal, and general Election Day to become a state and municipal holiday.
Credit: state Senator Kane’s office
The measure will also require private sector employers to provide two hours of unpaid leave on Election Day, to help ensure that working Pennsylvanians are able to cast their ballot. Employers that fail to provide two hours of unpaid leave shall pay a civil penalty of $1,000.
Pennsylvanians holding jobs with rigid schedules, long commutes, and lengthy workdays often face limited opportunities to vote, and long lines at their polling places in the short window they have to do so. Consequently, these employees miss out on the opportunity to make their voices heard in our elections, Kane said,
“It’s time to make voting easier and more accessible for Pennsylvania’s working population. Making Election Day a state and municipal holiday could increase voter turnout and participation in elections, allowing more Pennsylvanians to exercise their fundamental right to vote”
You can find the measure here or by searching for SB 863 on the state general assembly website.