This Vote's for You!

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2. Election Day on the Weekend -- or Make It a Holiday

I was in Stockholm once on the day of Swedish national elections and watched people stroll to the polls on their way to brunch, church, or the park. With voting held on Sunday (as is the case in many nations around the world), it was no effort or inconvenience for most Swedes to find a few minutes out of a leisurely day to cast their ballots. Compare that to the United States, where Tuesday voting means we must squeeze in a trip to the polls before we go to work or after we get home -- the same time that all the other voters in the precinct are lining up.

The founding fathers, as visionary as they were, made a blunder when they set elections for the first Tuesday in November. Chilly, dark early in the evening, frequently rainy or icy, election day can deter even the most enthusiastic political participant. And the framers of the constitution could not imagine the busy lives of the 21st century, when casting a ballot involves major hassles in leaving work, finding child care, or arranging transportation. To salvage our political system, let's set election day on a weekend during some season when the weather is mild. Or, better yet, declare it a national holiday. Americans already work more hours than any people in the industrialized world, so give us a break to celebrate Democracy Day.

3. Voter Discounts

"I Voted" stickers could be redeemed for discounts at the local bakery, coffee shop, hardware store, or grocery. Elections, after all, are neighborhood events, so nearby businesses could use the day to remind you that they are part of your community and the giant superstores out by the highway are not.

4. Free Lottery Tickets

The only thing Americans like as much as shopping and parties is the chance to make something for nothing. So why not harness those instincts for the cause of democracy? Every voting receipt becomes a ticket in a national lottery with more money up for grabs than in the biggest Powerball drawing. That gives all of us a chance to become a winner on election night.

5. A Tax Break for Voters

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