As a small business owner, you are required to offer employees different types of paid or unpaid time off, but do you need to give employees time off to vote on election day?
Currently, there is no federal law requiring employers to give workers time off to vote.
With Election Day coming up on November 5, 2024, employers need to be aware of state laws that guarantee workers time off to vote. While there’s no federal law requiring employers to give workers time off to vote—some states do have such laws and may also require employers to offer employee compensation for voting time!
Time off for voting laws by state.
Employers need to review their state laws concerning voting leave requirements for employees:
Whether that leave is paid, how much advance notice workers must provide employers to utilize voting leave, if there are any applicable exceptions and the potential legal penalties for violating these laws. Employers should double-check that their company policy matches the law before this election season, especially as employers may risk penalties for noncompliance.
Oregon | No Laws
Oregon is a vote-by-mail state that gives citizens the option of voting by mail, drop-off ballots or voting in person. Since many citizens vote via mail, the state does not have laws regarding giving employees time off for voting.
California | Time Off to Vote
Employers in California must post a mandatory notice regarding employees’ right to time off to vote. California allows up to 2-hours of paid time off to vote but requires employees to give two working days’ notice before the election day. The law does not require proof of voting.
All States | Time Off to Vote Laws by State
This website, published by Mathew & George-Attorneys at Law, offers interactive charts, maps, and listings of voting laws by state. Includes detailed information on state-by-state laws regarding paid leave, advance notice requirements, proof of voting and more.
Does your company have an Employee Time Off to Vote policy in place?
Now is the ideal time for all employers—particularly those with employees in multiple states—to review and update their company policies and handbooks to comply with applicable state voting laws.
Not sure if you have an HR policy regarding an employee’s request for time off to vote?
- If you currently hire or employ through Cardinal, we’ve already got you covered on this topic.
- If you do not have a policy in place, our HR Specialists can help you develop an HR policy for your company. Our HR experts are available to help! Email hr@cardinalservices.com or call (541) 888-9799 to speak to one of our HR professionals.