Which important event do you prefer? Election Day or Independence Day?
Posted by Murky_County_19@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 116 comments
Posted by Murky_County_19@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 116 comments
PuzzleheadedLemon353@reddit
Election day is a get up early and go to your voting destination and take your turn voting...this is after watching debates and listening to people talk politics for months, watching a zillion political adds until you are insane and studying politician's backgrounds and beliefs, etc...It's a bit draining. 4th of July or Independance Day is celebratory with friends and family, good food, good times and lots of fireworks and fun. A fun day!
asoep44@reddit
One is a paid holiday that comes every year. The other is not. Take your guess.
hokiegirl759397@reddit
I guess I would have to say Independence Day. Everyone is happy celebrating this holiday. For election day, half of the country is celebrating while the other half are cussing.
Murky_County_19@reddit (OP)
Its like one occasion people are together and having a good time. While the other, people are agianst eachother because of different points of views and beliefs.
cryptoengineer@reddit
Election Day is not a holiday, most people work through it, and vote before or after work.
Murky_County_19@reddit (OP)
Happy Election Day!
hohner1@reddit
Lets see, is it deciding which politician I dislike least or watching fireworks videos on You tube that sounds more fun?
AdEmbarrassed9719@reddit
OP, Election Day is not a day off in the US. We have to vote (think long lines and stress) either before or after work, or else lose some pay or have to use time off. Luckily some areas have early voting which helps.
Independence Day is a day off work, a holiday, and a celebration. Election Day is stressful, and if you have to vote on that day it’s also a long difficult day that involves a full workday plus potentially long lines and waiting uncomfortably.
Murky_County_19@reddit (OP)
Im aware that election day is not a day people have off but its still an important event for the country.
Argo505@reddit
Why would that mean I prefer it?
Murky_County_19@reddit (OP)
Whatever floats your boat
Argo505@reddit
No, really, why would it being more important mean I enjoy it more?
Murky_County_19@reddit (OP)
Idk. You get to choose who you want running the country? For the record i prefer July 4th as well for obvious reasons.
Argo505@reddit
Why would that mean I enjoy it more?
AdEmbarrassed9719@reddit
Well yeah, but getting a colonoscopy is an important event too, you know? But nobody is going to choose that over a day off work with a cookout and fireworks.
Bluemonogi@reddit
Election day is like a grim duty you have to deal with. Independence day is a celebration. Which do you think you would prefer?
Icy-Whale-2253@reddit
There’s nothing on the grill on election day.
SadAdeptness6287@reddit
You’re doing election day wrong.
sleepyj910@reddit
I like Election Day more, because either way tension is released and nerds like me get to look at lots of numbers.
July 4th is nice but it's not really different than Memorial Day.
RsonW@reddit
Wut
Maybe it's just my town, but we don't have Memorial Day parades or fireworks.
SadAdeptness6287@reddit
Memorial day, at least in Jersey, is the kickoff of the summer. People go to the shore/long island, bbq and other summer activities.
July 4th, you do the same things plus fireworks.
sleepyj910@reddit
Too hot here for July parades
OkInstruction3939@reddit
Am I stupid for having to look up what date Independence Day is? 😭
PrestigiousJelly6478@reddit
open the schools
OkInstruction3939@reddit
I'm in school 😭
DharmaCub@reddit
Get off the internet.
OkInstruction3939@reddit
I didn't mean at that fucking minute
DharmaCub@reddit
I meant children shouldn't be here.
OkInstruction3939@reddit
Calm down, I was making a fucking joke
OceanPoet87@reddit
It's the legal name for the 4th.
OkInstruction3939@reddit
well I know that now but I didn't remember if that's what it was or if it was a seperate holiday
Sufficient_Cod1948@reddit
A little bit.
SwaggersaurusWrecks@reddit
No, it just means you're overdue to watch the Will Smith Independence Day movie again.
ursulawinchester@reddit
Only because it means you have not recently watched the 1996 Action/Sci-fi blockbuster starring Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Vivica A Fox, and Bill Pullman.
Otherwise nah, I don’t remember the last time I heard someone call it that lol
WinterRevolutionary6@reddit
Yes bro
Outside_Narwhal3784@reddit
Chalk it up to a brain fart!
bateneco@reddit
Election Day is a sacred duty every citizen is ethically obligated to take part in.
Independence Day is a federal holiday full of bbqs with friends, beer, water balloon fights, and fireworks.
I will always vote on Election Day, but there’s no question I enjoy Independence Day way more.
OkInstruction3939@reddit
No it isn't 😭
Ok-Equivalent8260@reddit
Then don’t fucking complain about anything.
Grouchy-Magician-633@reddit
That's a rather lame and nonsensical argument.
To paraphrase George Carlin "If you vote and elect selfish, arrogant leaders, then you are responsible for what they have done. You have no right to complain. While I, on the other hand, did not vote and have every right to complain as loud as I want about the mess you made that I had nothing to do with."
OkInstruction3939@reddit
someone's angry XD
OkInstruction3939@reddit
I'm... Not?
RsonW@reddit
Yeah, call me an elitist if you must, but if you don't have rudimentary civic literacy, your duty is to sit out elections.
Eatatfiveguys@reddit
Independence Day at its worst is basically canceled because of bad weather (so no Fireworks or Barbeques). Election Day at its worst could lead to many aspects of your life being affected heavily for the worse. Also we don't get off for Election Day for the most part so it's not really a holiday. Independence Day is generally enjoyable for everyone, Election Day is stressful if you care about politics and leaves half the country upset. Just way different vibes.
PrestigiousAd9825@reddit
Independence Day - you trade in high-stress, following the news and normal responsibilities for grilled meats, day drinking and vibes
Vachic09@reddit
Independence Day
Arleare13@reddit
They’re very different types of occasions.
In recent years, Election Day has been a source of stress to me more than anything else.
Murky_County_19@reddit (OP)
Atleast its not every year
machagogo@reddit
Election day occurs every year. There will always be something to vote for, be it local, state, or federal.
beenoc@reddit
Not always - I used to live in a rural unincorporated area, so there were no local elections other than stuff like county sheriff, which aligned with presidential elections. There were absolutely no elections of any kind in odd years - everything aligned with either presidential or midterms.
AdEmbarrassed9719@reddit
Yes - and if you would prefer third parties to have some influence - those "smaller" elections are a good place to start! At the federal level, right now, we have only two parties. Starting at the local and state level to back alternatives can give them the experience and sway to build from to work up to the federal level.
Murky_County_19@reddit (OP)
Im talking presidential election
machagogo@reddit
I was pointing out that "Election Day" doesn't mean "presidential election"
Conchobair@reddit
It's every year around here and sometimes multiple times a year. Just elected a new mayor this year. There's always something coming up on the ballots.
RsonW@reddit
That's the other thing.
Barring special elections, Election Day (in California) is twice every two years.
It's not an event like Independence Day.
You're comparing apples to oranges here.
Murky_County_19@reddit (OP)
Thats still not every year
courtd93@reddit
That depends on where you are. I have an Election Day every six months.
MovieSock@reddit
I am predicting that most people are going to say they prefer July 4th because July 4th is more of a party, and Election Day is more of a duty/responsibility.
Unfortunately for a lot of people, even though Election Day is an opportunity to choose leadership for the country, there are a lot of Americans who believe that their own vote won't make a difference, and re-arranging their schedule so that they can make it to the polls is such a hassle that they just plain don't bother with it. So Election Day is just another day for them. By contrast, July 4th is a paid holiday and they get to see friends and watch fireworks and that's fun.
I'm a bit different. I always vote, and I just plain don't feel very celebratory about July 4th and haven't for quite a while. Instead I drag a bunch of history books to a park and spend the afternoon reading; I've tried to invite friends to join me now and then, and sometimes they do consider it but then they back out and go to another friend's barbecue instead. Fair enough.
Gold_Telephone_7192@reddit
There’s no comparison. Election Day isn’t fun, it’s just important. The day is the same as any other day except for waiting to hear who won in the evening.
The Fourth of July is a holiday, usually with a long weekend, where I celebrate by having a party or camping or renting a cabin with friends. It’s a blast and one of my favorite holidays.
AdEmbarrassed9719@reddit
Election day not only isn't fun, it can be super stressful. Like last year, I felt sick the whole day.
It's important, sure, OP is right about that. But it's important like a dental cleaning, or a mammogram, or a colonoscopy. It's definitely not fun, IMO.
SeaBottle4451@reddit
A guy I used to date would run around chanting we beat the Brits, we beat the Brits. I mean…he’s not wrong.
Figgler@reddit
England blew a 13 colony lead
T_Peg@reddit
Had a friend who used to date a guy from England and man the other guys in the group would poke fun at him all day. He was a good sport about it though.
KikiCorwin@reddit
Election day. Nobody asks, "What are your plans?" and then gets annoyed when you answer, "Working - then going to without dinner because the dog will be too spooked to let me eat. Can't cook or eat if I have to be on the bed comforting him from scary noises til dawn."
TL;DR : Fireworks can fuck right off.
Murky_County_19@reddit (OP)
I can see that.
GriffinArc@reddit
This is a weird question. They aren’t really things to compare. I would imagine more than 95% of Americans prefer Independence Day. Why wouldn’t they?
Bright_Ices@reddit
Would you have a day off for fun and parties? Orrrrrrr spend the day commuting, standing in line, filling out paperwork, and watching the news?
Murky_County_19@reddit (OP)
I think having the freedom to vote is taken for granted here in this country. Sure it may not be as fun as BBQ and fireworks in sunny weather. But having the power to choose who runs our country shouldnt be taken lightly.
GhostOfJamesStrang@reddit
You asked which we prefer and then argued with an answer to that question.
You look really silly.
Murky_County_19@reddit (OP)
Well I noticed many of you guys were being condescending with your answers. Like i was just asking a question of which people like better, some people actually prefer election day. There is no need to get smart about it.
GhostOfJamesStrang@reddit
Who was being condescending?
I haven't looked at every comment, but you seem to be the common denominator in most of the negative tones.
Bright_Ices@reddit
I don’t take it lightly, but there’s no comparison about which day I prefer to be in.
CupBeEmpty@reddit
Election Day isn’t a holiday or a single day so it isn’t really a fun get together with friends type of day. You just go vote or mail in a ballot before hand.
The 4th of July is a day for parties and hanging out with friends and families.
Ecks54@reddit
What?
Election Day is important, but Independence Day is our national holiday.
friendlylifecherry@reddit
Independence day, no contest. Only people who have to work emergency services dont like the 4th
splittingxheadache@reddit
This is really not a good question.
Generally speaking, Election Days are not fun, and in the presidential years half the nation is going to bed with extreme anxiety or dread.
Independence Day is a day or weekend to chill and grill, shoot guns, hang out with friends and just relax.
GhostOfJamesStrang@reddit
Election Day I have a duty to do what I believe is best to protect my freedom to celebrate things like Independence Day.
One is a duty. The other is a party.
I prefer Independence Day and its not even close.
smartfbrankings@reddit
Election Day is the super bowl for nerds and that's it. Independence day is parades and bbqs and fireworks. Not even close. Independence Day is probably the 3rd biggest holiday in the US.
Jdawn82@reddit
Election Day because I can at least pretend that what I think matters. It’s hard to enjoy Independence Day once you’re aware enough to realize how many freedoms don’t actually exist for so many people.
rawbface@reddit
Election day is a 15 minute round trip to my local fire house.
Independence day is a 4-day weekend down the shore.
This isn't a trick, right? Like you're the DOJ and you're going to make us choose?
Traditional-Joke-179@reddit
What do you like more? Being in the pool with your friends or taking a high stakes group test where your groupmates are dumb as hell?
OverSearch@reddit
You son of a bitch, I just spat coffee on my keyboard laughing at this. Well done.
izlude7027@reddit
The one with the drinking and the lighting things on fire.
machagogo@reddit
They aren't comparable.
Election Day is an important civic duty.
Independence Day is a holiday to celebrate.
The_Menu_Guy@reddit
Independence Day which almost everyone calls “The 4th of July” is far superior, and fun. We have lots of parties and BBQs. Election Day is important but is pretty depressing because we usually have really shitty candidates for which to vote. I always vote, and I virtually always hate my choices.
Weightmonster@reddit
July 4th! Election day is stressful AF.
Darth_Lacey@reddit
I’m not a fan of either. Election day is psychologically painful. Independence Day everyone turns the air into poison. (Okay actually I just get really sick with prolonged smoke exposure).
Pitiful_Bunch_2290@reddit
I prefer colonoscopiy day over election day.
NarrowAd4973@reddit
The one that let's you blow shit up without people giving you weird looks, then taking out their phones to make a call.
DrDentonMask@reddit
I'm not a big party animal, honestly, and I do enjoy watching the political numbers crunch, so even though I do it early and by mail due to ADA access concerns, I love Election Day. It's exciting to me.
OceanPoet87@reddit
The data and map aspect I like.
Individual_Check_442@reddit
Yeah same I’m kind of a political junkie so I actually call it the political Suoer Bowl LoL. I also live in the desert where it’s 110 in the summer so 4th of July kind of sucks here.
DrDentonMask@reddit
Yeah, I graduated high school in the Phoenix area, so I feel you on temp. Handled it fine at agE 17. At 49, I'd have issues.
OceanPoet87@reddit
Election Day sucks. Everyone is stressed the week before and tge day after people are either depressed or gloating. On top of that, in many years you don't always know who wins on Election night. I always take it off and the next day or two in presidential years to decompress.
July 4th is a day off from work and has parades, picnics, BBQ, fireworks, and community events. No comparison. We are going to Hawaii this year, but I usually take a few days off around the 4th. My wife, son, and I usually go to a hotel we like about 70 miles away or one about the same distance in another town. We do the pool and fireworks.
GoodCallMeatball@reddit
Independence day you choose to drink, election day you have to drink.
pkondas@reddit
Election day for me. I love filling in my map predictions ahead of time similar to filling in a bracket for a sport tournament. Even better, I have a chance to pick my leaders.
AtheneSchmidt@reddit
I rarely even think of Election day on Election Day, my ballot is usually at a drop off center and has often already been counted by the time Election Day rolls around.
Independence Day on the other hand is fun. Fireworks, often family and friends and food are involved. Memories of loading into Grandpa's van to go find that secret spot of his where we could easily see half the fireworks displays in town, and the hours before that playing Jarts, eating hot dogs, and hanging with the cousins.
BrooklynNotNY@reddit
Independence Day. That’s a day of guaranteed BBQ, swimming, and fireworks.
carbonatedcobalt@reddit
i really don't like the 4th of july honestly. i have ptsd and i don't like the noise. it was more fun as a kid when there were more celebrations, more bbq and i knew less about politics.
i like election day because its an opportunity for change and to be able to vote. i've only been able to vote once in my life so far
WhatAreYouSaying05@reddit
Hmm, now here’s a tough one. Which one do I prefer? Watching some fireworks, or choosing the next leader of the most powerful country on earth? I can’t decide
LeilLikeNeil@reddit
Y’all know Election Day isn’t a holiday, right? Nobody gets the day off, nobody celebrates, you have to figure out your polling place, it’s almost as if they don’t want us to vote.
JasminJaded@reddit
Kinda
GoCardinal07@reddit
I work in politics, and even I prefer Independence Day.
Sufficient_Cod1948@reddit
Which do you prefer, having sex or getting a root canal?
ExistentialTabarnak@reddit
Whatever gets me the day off.
Murky_County_19@reddit (OP)
I like this
JasminJaded@reddit
Election “day” isn’t a huge deal because we vote by mail. The day itself is just waiting to find out that I’m still part of the blue dot in a red state.
Independence Day is a nice thought, but usually just a day of obligations and the hope I can fall asleep before the fireworks start.
I guess I’d rather have the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. It’s a normal day with a mostly predictable end.
TankDestroyerSarg@reddit
Independence Day. The whole thing is a party with food, drinking and trying to blow up God. Federal holiday and time and a half if you DO have to be the poor guy working. Election Day is just another Tuesday where you have to choose between which group of rich, out of touch, older than sin assholes is going to rape your sweet buttchecks for the next 2-6 years of misery. We don't even get the day off to go to the polls!
DharmaCub@reddit
What's your favorite holiday? Christmas or going to the bank to get a loan?
Murky_County_19@reddit (OP)
Election day isnt a holiday dude.
DharmaCub@reddit
No shit, that's my entire point. They're not comparable in the slightest.
AdEmbarrassed9719@reddit
Exactly. Election Day is stressful AF and also can be a pain if you weren’t able to vote early. And OP might not realize in the US we don’t get Election Day off work, either! It’s not a holiday here.
peaveyftw@reddit
Independence Day. Election day is mostly just choosing to buy Coke or Pepsi.
CaptUncleBirdman@reddit
These two things have nothing to do with each other, what is this question?
Ryebread095@reddit
One is a duty and obligation that is ignored by far too many people out of apathy or some misguided sense of protest, one is a celebration of what we should aspire to yet so often fail to be. There isn't really a comparison.
The only thing I prefer about election day is the lack of fireworks.
ALoungerAtTheClubs@reddit
I prefer Independence Day because it's a day off. Election Day is more important to our country today than the mere observance of Independence Day, however.