Are You Taking Time Off To Vote?

For the 2020 Election, 28 states require employers to give time off for their employees to vote. Here’s a quick rundown to ensure your workplace won’t prevent you from pulling up to the polls this year.

Can I take time off of work to vote?

Depending on your state, you may be allowed up to 3 hours off work to vote. Check with your HR department to confirm if the time off is paid or unpaid. Most but not all states enforce policies to protect employees from being fired or disciplined for taking time off during the workday to vote. However, employers may be allowed to dock your pay if it’s found that you didn’t use the time off for your civic duty so make sure to keep your receipt or proof of voting to avoid any issues.

If you only have a couple hours off work, you won’t want to waste time in the voting booth thinking about your selections. Make sure to research all candidates and props in advance so you can bring your completed voting guide with you to the polls.

If you plan to volunteer as a poll worker, you likely will have to use a vacation or sick day. However companies including Old Navy, Warby Parker, and Target announced that they will pay employees a full day’s worth if they volunteer as poll workers for the 2020 election cycle. This unprecedented move was in response to a shortage of poll workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Should I give my employer a heads up?

Definitely! Especially if you work at a small company, you’ll want to ensure your shift is covered while you’re out voting. Sharing your voting plan may also encourage your coworkers to exercise their civic duty.

What if my employer violates the time-off-to-vote law?

If you’re sensing any push back for taking time off to vote, direct your HR manager or supervisor to your state’s time-off-to-vote laws and remind them that violations may result in penalties from the state. Companies can also be negatively affected in other ways by failing to support their employees’ right to vote. According to an article by Workplace Fairness, “If word gets out that a particular company prevents its employees from voting, the company faces a potential public relations problem, which may be more of a concern than any fine a government agency might impose.” If you don’t want to rock the boat at work, your other alternative is to research absentee voting or early voting options in your state.