Election Day should be a national holiday.

Congress could make it happen. The next president could; just proclaim it. Either way, it should be done.

Voting is one of the most important rights in the United States. It is how the nation chooses its leadership and sets its direction. Those elected utilize their views on a variety of subjects to decide, for instance, how to tackle the national deficit — raise taxes or reduce taxes. Both theories and others are represented in the names on ballots across the country.

Nothing speaks to hard-working Americans, who really appreciate the value of a day off, than a holiday.

The holiday would get the electorate's attention. First, it would illustrate the importance of voting, setting an example for upcoming generations who will need to vote to preserve this country and its freedoms.

Second, it gives all Americans who want to vote extra time to cast their ballots. Right now, it is before work, at break, during lunch hour or after work that voting takes place for most people — unless busy schedules prevent voting altogether. Of course, casting absentee ballots is a possibility, but most folks don't take advantage of that. Maybe they realize that from one day to the next before an election anything could happen to change their vote. So, they wait until Election Day.

Third, voters who haven't had time to research the candidates and issues might be more inclined to spend part of the holiday getting educated before entering polling places.

In a country where voter turnout rarely exceeds expectations, there is a desire to attract more voters to the polls. But, at the same time, not just any voter's; the country needs voters who have done the homework necessary to be fully informed.

Establishing an Election Day holiday won't happen in time for Nov. 6 of this year, but it could in time for the next national election in two years.

If the feds don't do it, then Alaska could. Other holidays started in cities and states before being adopted by the whole nation.

An Election Day holiday should be the next one.