Many Americans will turn their clocks back on Sunday as daylight saving time ends, bringing lighter mornings and darker evenings in most states. This annual change, observed by almost all states except Hawaii and Arizona, continues to spark debate over making daylight saving time permanent.
Hawaii and Arizona do not observe daylight saving time, but the Navajo Nation within Arizona does. Additionally, U.S. territories such as Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands do not adjust their clocks.
Nineteen states have passed laws to keep daylight saving time year-round. However, these changes require congressional approval because federal law currently prohibits permanent daylight saving time.
"Because federal law does not currently allow full-time DST, Congress would have to act before states could adopt changes." — National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)
The time change is welcomed by those who appreciate an extra hour of sleep, while others find the adjustment inconvenient. Only about 12% of U.S. adults support permanent daylight saving time, reflecting ongoing divided opinions.
"Vintage clocks, seen here at the Electric Time Company in Medfield, Mass., will need a reset to reflect Sunday's time change." — Charles Krupa/AP
Daylight saving time ends this Sunday, requiring clock adjustments nationwide except in some states and territories, while debate over making it permanent continues amid mixed public opinion.