Following Sanders' Lead, Obama Endorses National Voting Holiday
http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/13/following-sanders-lead-obama-endorses-national-voting-holiday
As Common Dreams reported at the time, Sen. Sanders in 2014 proposed a national "Democracy Day" designed to increase turnout and as a direct counter to Republican-led efforts to suppress voting nationwide.
"In America," stated Sanders at the time, "we should be celebrating our democracy and doing everything possible to make it easier for people to participate in the political process. Election Day should be a national holiday so that everyone has the time and opportunity to vote. While this would not be a cure-all, it would indicate a national commitment to create a more vibrant democracy.
In a separate op-ed supporting his proposal, Sanders added, "Throughout American history, people have fought and died to protect our democracy and set an example for other nations. When billionaires and corporations tilt elections, conservatives suppress voting and crucial voters feel unengaged, what kind of example for the world is that?"
In early 2015, Sanders submitted legislationtitled the 'Democracy Day Act of 2015'that would officially "designate Election Day as a public holiday."