Democrats are going all in on voting rights ahead of the 2020 election. This week, House Democrats introduced a bill that would make Election Day a federal holiday. Experts say that would increase voter turnout, especially among minority voters and low-income people who aren’t able to take off work to vote. It’s a popular idea. Business and civic leaders have been offering a similar proposal for years, and Congress considered bills to make it so in 2001, 2002 and 2005. Election Day is a holiday in France, Australia and Mexico. But it’s unpopular with one key demographic: Republicans. The GOP has supported efforts to restrict voting access in the country and is opposed to the Democrats’ idea.
On Wednesday, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) took to the Senate floor to explain. “Just what America needs, another paid holiday and a bunch of government workers being paid to go out and work for, I assume, our folks — our colleagues on the other side, on their campaigns,” he said.
“This is the Democrat plan to restore democracy?” he continued. “A brand-new week of paid vacation for every federal employee who would like to hover around while you cast your ballot?”
Democrats quickly attacked McConnell and the GOP as undemocratic.
Full Article: Mitch McConnell just made it much easier for Democrats to accuse Republicans of voter suppression – The Washington Post.