We are in the midst of the most important election season yet. Over 91.6 million Americans have already cast their ballots by mail or at in-person early voting locations, which is more than 67% of the total 136.5 million votes cast in the 2016 election. In combination with social distancing precautions, this record-breaking turnout is also causing lines that are hours long at polling places nationwide. Based on this early voting turnout, setting aside time to vote is more important than ever if you’re heading to the polls on Election Day on November 3rd.

Finding time to vote can be especially difficult if you work during the day. To address this issue, more than 1300 companies, including Walmart, Paypal, and Apple, have joined the Time To Vote Movement, which gives employees paid time off to vote. This has the potential to significantly encourage voter turnout, as studies have shown that 65% of employees are more likely to vote based on the information they receive from their employers. 

But this open support of voting in the workplace is not the case for everyone. If your company hasn’t given you the go-ahead to leave work to vote, don’t give up yet. Your voice is important. Here’s what you need to know if you are trying to leave work to vote this year. 

Check Your State Laws 

Voting rules vary significantly from state to state. In 30 states, it is a legal requirement to give employees time off to vote. Some states require employers to provide paid time off for voting, while other states only require the option to take time off, with or without pay. Because employers in some states can withhold pay if someone claims to take time off for voting and doesn’t actually vote, make sure you have proof or documentation just in case.

 

Talk To Your Employer 

Even if your state does not legally protect your right to take time off for voting, your employer may be willing to support your voting efforts. If you anticipate needing to take time off, talk to your employer as soon as possible. The earlier you address the issue, the more likely you will be able to shift responsibilities, reschedule conflicts, or find someone to cover your shift.

Again, polling place hours vary by state. It’s important to research your local polling place, as well as your hours of operation, to make sure you request enough time off to get to the polls before they close. As long as you are in line when the polls close, you are still allowed to cast your ballot. Here is a breakdown of polling place hours by state.

If You Are A Federal Employee

According to the US Office Of Personnel Management, federal government policy allows employees time off to vote in elections and civic matters in the community. If you work for the federal government and your polling place is not open for at least 3 hours before or after your work shift, the OPM generally encourages agencies to grant 3 employees hours of administrative leave. Alternatively, if your polling site requires an extended commute and absentee voting is not an option, you may be able to request an excused absence for up to 1 day to vote. To get more information, you can view the full OPM memorandum here.

Explore Other Voting Options

If you absolutely cannot take time off to vote, there may be other options available in your state. Research your state’s absentee ballot policies and early voting options. These are both options for people who cannot get to the polls on Election Day. 

You can also take advantage of early and late voting hours if they fall outside of your workday. If you get to the polls right when they open, you may be able to beat the rush and vote before work. You can also plan on going after work, but be prepared to wait in longer lines that may have backed up throughout the day. 

Visit Vote.org to research all of your state’s voting options, including: 

• Early voting policies
• Polling place hours
• Election Day polling hours

Remember, the last day to cast your ballot is November 3rd. So get out there and vote. See you at the polls!

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