Last week, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution designating Election Day – the Tuesday following the first Monday in November during even years – as a paid holiday for Oakland County employees. The resolution, which was spearheaded by Commissioner Nancy Quarles (D-Southfield), will promote civic engagement among county employees and their families. The adoption of this policy will align Oakland County with the official paid holidays designated for employees of the State of Michigan.
During the 2016 presidential election, less than 56 percent of the voting age population cast a ballot. Among registered voters in the 2016 election, being “too busy” or having a conflicting schedule was the third-highest reason cited for not voting, accounting for 14 percent or 2.7 million registered voters who did not cast a vote.
Polling by Pew Research Center shows bipartisan support by two-thirds of Americans for making Election Day a federal holiday. While many efforts are underway to address this nationally, Oakland County decided to take this step locally.
“Oakland County is leading by example,” said Quarles. “We are making a strong statement about the importance of voting rights and the duty of employers to remove barriers for working people to get involved in their government.”
“Oakland County joins other states and communities in celebrating our democracy by making Election Day a holiday,” said Board Chairman David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak). “Actions like this will hopefully lead to greater civic engagement, increased voter participation, and will motivate other communities and the nation to join us.”
“I applaud Commissioner Quarles and the Board, and encourage the state legislature to make Election Day a holiday in Michigan,” said Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Brown. “It’s not just about easier access to the ballot, it allows a talented pool of people to be available to work in their precinct or absentee counting board on Election Day. Residents should know that my elections staff and I will be in the office working.”
For additional information about the Board of Commissioners, visit www.oakgov.com/boc or call 248-858-0100.
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://legalnews.com/subscriptions
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
https://legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
