As we near Election Day, we wanted to provide a reminder regarding voting time.
Polling places are generally open for extended hours on Election Day, but some employee schedules may make it difficult to vote during these hours. In instances where a polling location is not open at least two to three (2-3) hours before or after an employee’s scheduled shift, a department should provide the employee with sufficient time, generally up to two (2) hours of paid time off, for voting. The two (2) hours is considered paid time off, but will not be deducted from the employee’s annual time balance and will not be used to calculate overtime and other premium pay.
Employees should provide reasonable notice to their managers and timekeepers if they will need to be absent from their regularly scheduled work shift to vote. Employees should provide the hours of operation of their polling location [to who?] before paid time off is approved. An increasing number of jurisdictions offer “early voting” prior to Election Day. Some employees, such as those on alternative work schedules, may find it convenient to vote during these early voting periods.
