By Bob Katzen

This bill would make Election Day, every two years, a statewide holiday and provide people who cannot take the holiday off because they are Election Day workers or perform other essential work, with two hours paid voting leave.

“The ability to vote is the foundation of our democracy,” said sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “For economically vulnerable communities, the question of voting oftentimes comes down to missing hours at work, holding onto a job or earning pay they rely on to put food on the table. My bill to establish Election Day as a holiday gives voters the greatest flexibility to cast their ballot and make their voices heard.”