Let’s Return to Election Day

John M. Grondelski emphasizes the importance of traditional Election Day practices in the context of the modern electoral process. He reflects on how voting and vote counting used to be straightforward and timely, contrasting it with the complexities seen today.

• Historical Context of Election Day: Election Day was once simple, occurring on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, with voting taking place over a 15-hour span. Results were typically known by dawn.

• Supreme Court Case: The upcoming Supreme Court case, Watson v. Republican National Committee, questions whether states can accept mail-in ballots received after Election Day. Mississippi allows ballots up to five days late if postmarked by Election Day. Grondelski argues this should be deemed unacceptable to uphold election integrity.

• Concerns About Late Voting: Advocates for extended voting argue it empowers voters, but Grondelski highlights risks of fraud, particularly when results are close. He questions why all voters cannot participate on the same day, except for specific circumstances like military service or illness.

• Voting as a Responsibility: Voting is described as both a right and a responsibility, requiring compliance with reasonable rules that ensure a timely and secure election process. Grondelski argues for a return to standard procedures, stating that prolonged vote counting creates uncertainty and undermines public trust.

• Issues with Early Voting: The trend toward early voting extends the electoral process rather than simplifying it. Grondelski critiques this shift as detrimental to democracy, stating it allows for ballot manipulation and delays in results.

• Proposed Solutions: In light of challenges faced by voters due to scheduling conflicts, Grondelski suggests making Election Day a national holiday or providing paid time off to vote, similar to practices in European countries.

Grondelski calls for a return to a unified Election Day with clear procedures to maintain electoral integrity and enhance democratic participation. He advocates for reforms that would facilitate timely voting without compromising the election process. 

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2025/12/let_s_return_to_election_em_day_em.html