The president can declare a one-time federal holiday at any time by issuing an executive order. President Obama should make Election Day 2016 (Tuesday, November 8th) a federal holiday to encourage citizens to vote, make it more convenient, and in the hope that states and businesses follow in order to make it easier for everyone to cast a ballot.

Creating a reoccurring federal holiday on Election Day for citizens to vote would require congressional approval. However, this action from President Obama could be the first step in paving the way for a yearly federal holiday that will help protect every American's right to vote.