Help more Americans Vote. Tell Congress to Pass the Weekend Voting Act!

The United States ranks 138th (out of 172 countries) in voter participation. Unacceptable. Embarassing even. Part of the reason for this fact is that our current election system is based on what made the most sense for farmers in 1845. We think it's time for an update, don't you?

Here's the story: Reps. Larson (D-CT) and Israel (D-NY) have introduced the Weekend Voting Act to move Election Day from a Tuesday to the weekend. Polls in the 48 contiguous states would be open from 10 AM ET Saturday through 6 PM ET Sunday on the first weekend of November (and held open overnight if local elections officials decide to do so). It's a great solution that will increase the ability to enjoy the most basic civic right of American citizenship.

Studies show that other countries like France, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand have dramatically higher rates of turnout -- up to 70 and 80 percent -- when Election Day is on a weekend or holiday, versus an average of 55 percent here in the U.S. in presidential election years. We think of 2008 as having had a high voter turnout, but even then, only 56% of eligible voters went to the polls!

Sign on and tell Congress "Pass the Weekend Voting Act."