Time Change Termination

COURTESY+OF+JAN+VASEK%0AA+recently+voted-on+proposition+may+lead+to+the+elimination+of+Daylight+Savings+Time+in+California.%0A

COURTESY OF JAN VASEK A recently voted-on proposition may lead to the elimination of Daylight Savings Time in California.

Twice a year we find ourselves changing the clocks back or forward an hour to keep up with Daylight Savings Time. Could this possibly be the last year that we do this? Along with the recent midterm elections, taking place in November of this year, registered California voters also casted their vote in regards to Proposition 7, a proposition that is based upon the idea of either keeping or possibly eliminating Daylight Savings Time. Although ending with a fairly close result, 59.93% of voters chose to vote “Yes” on Proposition 7, agreeing with the idea that the California State Legislature should have the ability to decide to change the dates and times of Daylight Savings Time. Though, this does not necessarily mean that it will be abolished within the state. Along with the win of the California voters who agree with the proposition, two-thirds of the California Legislature must cast their vote in favor of the majority vote, and it must also be passed by Congress.  Passing a proposition such as this would leave beneficial effects on the community regarding one’s health and overall well-being.

Daylight Savings Time has been in occurrence since the early 1900’s. Setting clocks an hour forward stands as a way to maximize the amount of daylight during the summer months. However, it does not always stand as a beneficial change to one’s daily routine. In the United States, most states participate in Daylight Savings Time, with the exception of Arizona, Hawaii, and also certain territories. Daylight Savings Time in the state of California began in 1949, and has stood as a component of the residents’ lives since that year. Despite this, it would be a beneficial act to abolish the event.

This proposition stands as a controversial subject among many California residents regarding the concept of how it can affect their everyday lives and overall health. In agreement with the minds of around sixty percent of registered California Proposition 7 voters, Daylight Saving should be eliminated, allowing residents to live through the year with ease and not have to remember to set back the time that keeps their schedules in order. A biannual time change stands as a burden in many people’s schedules, as well as the reason for many negative aspects that impact their lives. Multiple despised sleepless nights and a sense of “jet lag” can greatly affect the overall well being of those who live in California, along with many other states, after they “fall back” or “leap forward.” Many are left feeling out of sorts due to the change in time and can also encounter other unwanted circumstances due to this, such as being late for work, school, and other mandatory events.

Although these effects can stand as a minor setback for some, for others, it can leave a noticeable difference in their attitude, health, and daily performances. The lack of sleep and possible disorientation can lead to many negative and unwanted outcomes. Multiple studies have been conducted over the years to show that the seasonal time change can cause a worsening mood in some, and often enough, can increase severe cases of depression. The lack of sleep also caused by the one hour change can also result in detrimental occurrences.

Due to the many negative aspects that help support the termination of Daylight Savings Time, it should eliminated in the state of California.