Here’s how to get voter participation
In my opinion, it should be proposed that the second Tuesday of November be set aside as a national holiday.
The purpose of the holiday would be to permit and encourage greater participation in the election process.
I would suggest that the holiday be named “Voting Day.”
Another suggestion is that “Voting Day” be a paid holiday, compensated for by the employer if an employee isn’t required to work — but only if he goes to the polls. However, if an employee is required to work, they should be compensated at time and a half their normal pay rate.
A stub or receipt could be provided at the polls, which employees would turn in to their employers to prove they voted.
Fred Schillinger
Ocean Springs
This story was originally published August 13, 2016 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Here’s how to get voter participation."