Donald Trump's incoming administration is already floating the idea of making substantial changes to the U.S. election system, according to discussions circulating within his inner circle.

Key proposals from the Trump team include making Election Day a national holiday and instituting reforms to restore public trust following the 2020 election, as the Daily Mail reports.

The blueprint for this transformation suggests that Election Day could become a nationwide paid holiday, an initiative aimed at increasing voter participation. This idea, which would require employers to give workers time off to vote, is being championed by Vivek Ramaswamy, a potential appointee in Trump's administration and a former Republican presidential candidate.

Ramaswamy Advocates for Election Day Reform

Ramaswamy is outspoken about his belief that federal elections should be held on a single day to bolster voter confidence. Accompanying this proposal are calls for the use of paper ballots and the requirement for government-issued identification to verify voter eligibility, a move that Ramaswamy argues would enhance trust in the electoral process.

"Making federal elections on a single day would help restore voter confidence in U.S. elections," Ramaswamy stated, outlining his vision for a unified approach to election reform. He emphasized the need for consistent national standards across all states, including single-day voting and a strict identification requirement.

He further elaborated on these ideas in a conversation with prominent broadcaster Tucker Carlson. Ramaswamy expressed confidence in implementing these measures swiftly, leveraging the decisive victory Trump secured in the 2024 election as a mandate for action.

Support for a National Election Day Holiday Grows

The concept of transforming the election day into a nationwide holiday has gained traction among influential figures. Notably, podcaster Joe Rogan has publicly supported this idea, arguing that it would alleviate voting-related stress and promote civic engagement.

"How about we have an election - national election holiday. We could do with one more holiday," Rogan suggested during a podcast episode with Theo Von. He has hinted at potentially lobbying for this reform directly with Trump to solidify it as a paid holiday.

Von echoed Rogan's sentiments, noting the benefits such a holiday could bring in terms of public celebration and stress reduction. Despite not having direct contact, Rogan and Von conveyed optimism about the proposal's potential to positively impact voter turnout.

Analyzing Paper Ballot and ID Proposals

In conjunction with the holiday, Ramaswamy's push for paper ballots and government-issued ID verification emerges as a central tenet of the proposed reforms. These measures have been touted as solutions to foster transparency and credibility, especially in light of the questions surrounding the 2020 election cycle.

Ramaswamy's conversations with Carlson reveal his commitment to a reformed election system that corrects past deficiencies. By advocating for a standardized federal voting protocol, he aims to create a more reliable electoral landscape. "What I care about is how are we actually going to fix it in a lasting way," Ramaswamy explained, stressing the need for sustainable changes that endure beyond immediate electoral cycles.

Potential Impact of Mandated Time Off to Vote

The proposal to make Election Day a national holiday with paid time off for employees has sparked discussions about its potential impact on voter turnout. The initiative seeks to eliminate barriers that prevent Americans from reaching the polls, thus encouraging greater engagement in the democratic process.

Proponents like Rogan and Ramaswamy argue that this approach could democratize participation, closing gaps that often disadvantage certain voter demographics. They believe such changes would signify a significant step towards a more inclusive election environment.

Rogan's personal endorsement of the holiday concept further amplifies the drive for these reforms, highlighting the role of public figures in shaping policy discourse. As he said, "Celebrate it, it’s a great day. People can rejoice."

Trump's 2024 Mandate and Its Significance

Ramaswamy acknowledged the decisive nature of Trump's 2024 election victory as essential for pushing forward the proposed electoral changes. Despite discussing potential irregularities, he maintained confidence in the mandate delivered by the public.

He characterized the election result as a pivotal opportunity to address systemic electoral issues and enact meaningful reforms. "This had to be by such a decisive margin that a landslide minus some shenanigans is still going to be a decisive victory," Ramaswamy asserted, underlining his commitment to comprehensive reform.

This decisive victory serves as the foundation for advancing these ambitious proposals, allowing the new administration to focus on restoring integrity and trust in the U.S. election system.

Conclusion: Potential for Transformative Change

As these conversations gain momentum, the potential implications of such electoral reforms are vast. The possibility of an election day holiday, alongside the emphasis on standardized voting procedures, represents a significant shift in how Americans might participate in future elections.

While the plans are still in their nascent stages, the emerging support suggests a fertile ground for significant changes to the U.S. electoral process. These proposals signal a transformative period that could redefine American elections for years to come.

As the incoming administration prepares, whether these ideas will fully materialize remains to be seen. The conversation, however, underscores a notable moment in the ongoing dialogue about the practicalities and principles of voting in America.