Time Change

Support for Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the United States has fallen to historic lows. According to recent Gallup poll, only about 40 percent of Americans now say they are in favour of the ongoing clock-shifts. That level is even lower than the 51 percent support seen back in 1937 and far below the 73 percent who approved of it in 1999. In short: many Americans are questioning whether changing the clocks twice a year still makes sense — and for good reason. What’s Driving the Shift in Opinion? First, the twice-yearly switch — moving clocks forward in spring and back in fall — has long been pegged to old energy-saving and productivity goals. Yet as daily lives have changed, the benefits of those shifts are less obvious. Meanwhile, people report irritation with losing an hour of sleep, changes in mood and rhythms, and confusion about time. In addition, many states are pushing legislation to end the practice of switching clocks — or to lock in one time year-round. All of these combine to erode public confidence in DST. (MORE NEWS: Retirement 2025: America’s Safest and Wealthiest Towns to Call Home) Which States Are Pushing to “Lock the Clocks”? Several states are actively working to eliminate the bi-annual clock changes. For example, states such as Texas, Florida, and Colorado have passed laws that would allow them to observe daylight saving time year-round — provided the federal government gives permission. Others, like Arizona and Hawaii, already observe standard time year-round and don’t change clocks at all. These efforts reflect a broader trend of states testing whether the traditional rhythm of DST remains relevant. The Complex Federal Landscape It’s not simply up to states. Under current federal law in the United States, states may opt out of daylight saving time and stay on standard time year-round — but they cannot switch to daylight saving time year-round without a change in federal legislation. For example, the Sunshine Protection Act has been proposed in Congress to make daylight saving time permanent, but so far it has not passed both the Senate and the House. So despite state-level enthusiasm, the path to a full shift away from switching clocks remains blocked by federal law. (MORE NEWS: High-Tech Bank Scam Leaves Victims Penniless in Seconds) What Could a Change Mean for People? If the U.S. were to adopt year-round daylight saving time, many people would enjoy lighter evenings all year. However, morning daylight would come later, particularly in winter months. That has sparked concerns about safety for children walking to school or more darkness in the morning commute. On the other hand, permanent standard time would give earlier sunrises and earlier sunsets — which some sleep and health experts prefer, because it aligns better with natural body clocks. Ultimately the trade-offs matter: whether the extra evening light is worth the later morning dawns. Why the Timing of the Latest Drop in Support Matters This shift in opinion comes at a key moment. As more states seek to abandon the spring-forward/fall-back routine, public support dropping to 40 percent signals that an idea once widely accepted is now in question. With the sky of federal change still cloudy, states pushing ahead arguably reflect the will of citizens rather than top-down policy. The timing is also relevant: as more people experience the negative side-effects of time changes — such as sleep disruption or safety issues after the switch — momentum grows to re-evaluate the status quo. What You Should Know Right Now If you live in a state that has passed legislation for year-round time, be aware: the change cannot take effect until federal rules allow it. The next time the clocks change (if you are in one of 48 states that observe it) could be one of the last — or at least one of the most debated. If you’re tracking health or productivity effects (for yourself or your children), know that shifting clocks has documented impacts on sleep, mood and accidents. Whether you prefer more light in the evening or prefer more early-morning light, the debate around permanent time changes is more than political — it may affect your day-to-day rhythm. The Takeaway In short, what we once accepted as a harmless ritual — flipping clocks twice a year — is becoming less acceptable. With public support at a historic low, state-level initiatives gaining traction and federal law lagging behind, the change may be coming. So if you’ve ever groaned when it’s already dark by the time you get home from work, take heart — the future of timekeeping may soon change. Forget the Headlines. Challenge the Script. Deliver the Truth. At The Modern Memo, we don’t tiptoe through talking points — we swing a machete through the media’s favorite lies. They protect power. We confront it. If you’re sick of censorship, narrative control, and being told what to think — stand with us. Share the story. Wake the people. Because truth dies in silence — and you weren’t made to stay quiet.