Democracy Doesn’t Exist If Citizens Can’t Vote; Make Election Day A National Holiday

[GoLeft TV]

The GOP war on voting is very real, and right now it’s taking a very serious turn for the worse.  With restrictive photo ID laws popping up and right wing governors vetoing legislation that would register millions of new voters, the foundation of our democracy is under attack.  Democrats need to step up their game in order to win this battle.

Ring of Fire’s Farron Cousins discusses this.

[willvotesdem]

1. I've often thought that all American citizens

should have to "report in person" once every four years, to there polling place or an embassy if overseas or other accommodations for those incapable of movement. The purpose being census taking and at that time they could also vote on a paper ballot. I also would allow an entire month for this to take place. No show no citizenship.

[Moostache]

2. Combine "President's Day" with MLK Day and make the 2nd Tuesday of November a permanent US Holiday.

I'm on board.

In my opinion, we should make voting a fundamental duty (not right) for all American citizens of age...but the practical reality of that would be a dumber and more virulently racist electorate.

The answer to that particular conundrum is to have education return to teaching government and civics courses throughout elementary and secondary education (and as a MANDATORY course for home schoolers too). Democracy without an educated and engaged electorate is what we have now - a carnival of barkers and bearded lady-type freak shows clamoring for attention and having all the substance of cotton candy.

The founders all knew that government of the people, by the people and for the people DEPENDS ON THE PEOPLE BEING ENGAGED!

Yes, corporations DO buy our politicians, but they get away with it because the voters allow it to continue unabated. People are ignorant as a general rule of thumb, they simply do not know the extent of their own ignorance. (Bear in mind the difference between ignorance and stupidity though!)

Increased access to voting is paramount, but not enough.
Increased education of how the government works, what the politicians are REALLY doing, what demands "freedom" means for people, and why this can only change with either increased awareness and engagement of the people or a violent revolution by the people.

We have one party that makes hay by ignoring facts completely and that cannot continue.