U.S. Democratic Rep. John Larson, of Connecticut, is pushing federal legislation that would change Election Day from the first Tuesday in November to the first weekend.
The bill, which Larson is co-sponsoring, was introduced in the House on Thursday. The legislation aims to increase voter turnout by holding federal elections on weekends, when it is easier for voters to reach the polls.
Larson said the current tradition of holding Election Day on a Tuesday is an outdated practice that needs to be more accessible.
The proposed legislation comes shortly after the Connecticut legislature's elections task force recommended changes to state voting practices. These recommendations include studying early voting options and making Election Day a holiday.
In 2010 just over half of Connecticut voters cast ballots in the general election.
Bill Would Move Voting to Weekends
Connecticut Congressman John Larson says it's time to change when we vote.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
