The summary of taking time off to vote | by Ingrid Liggayu | Voter
For the 2020 elections, 28 states require employers to allow time off for their employees to vote. Here’s a quick rundown to make sure your workplace isn’t stopping you from going to the polls this year.
Can I take time off to vote?
Depending on your state, you may be allowed up to 3 hours outside of work to vote. Check with your human resources department to confirm whether the time off is paid or not. Most, but not all, states have policies to protect employees from being fired or disciplined for taking time off during work hours to vote. However, employers may be allowed to reduce your pay if it is found that you did not use your time off to fulfill your civic duty, so be sure to save your receipt or proof of vote to avoid problems.
If you only have a couple of hours to spare, you don’t want to waste time in the voting booth thinking about your selections. Make sure that research all candidates and props ahead of time so you can take your complete voting guide to the polls.
If you plan to volunteer as a poll worker, you will probably have to use a vacation or sick day. However, companies that include 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 poll worker shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Should I notify my employer?
Definitely! Especially if you work in a small business, you’ll want to make sure your shift is covered while you’re not voting. Sharing your voting plan You can also encourage your co-workers to exercise their civic duty.
What if my employer violates the time off to vote law?
If you are feeling reluctance to take time off to vote, direct your human resources manager or supervisor at your state office. free time to vote laws and remind them that violations can result in sanctions from the state. Companies can be negatively affected in other ways as well if they do not support the voting rights of their employees. According to an article by Equity in the workplace“If word gets out that a particular company is preventing its employees from voting, the company faces a potential public relations problem, which may be more concerning than any fine that a government agency might impose.” If you don’t want to rock the boat at work, your other alternative is to investigate absentee vote or early vote options in your state.