Now Is the Time to Remind Employees about Voting Policies

With election day fast approaching on November 3, voting is top of mind for many employees and employers. If you haven’t already, now is the time to remind your employees of company policies regarding time off to vote.

Whether employees are entitled to time off to vote depends on state law. In Illinois, employers must provide employees up to two hours of unpaid time off to vote, if the employee’s working hours begin less than two hours after the opening of the polls and end less than two hours before the closing of the polls.

While many more individuals are likely to vote by mail this year, Illinois law allows employees to take this time off to vote in person on election day. Employees must request this time off before election day.

You may also choose to offer paid time off for employees to vote or to volunteer as poll watchers on election day. If your company is planning to do this, make sure your policy is laid out in advance and applied consistently to all employees. You may also provide your employees with general information regarding state voting laws, which can be accessed here.

The Labor & Employment Attorneys at Levenfeld Pearlstein are here to help with your labor and employment needs, including employment requirements regarding voting. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have a question or concern.