Get Ready for Election Day: Know Your Voting Leave Obligations
With Election Day fast approaching, it's crucial for employers to understand and comply with voting leave laws, and to ensure that all required notices are posted in the workplace. Here’s what you need to know to be prepared.
Voting Leave Laws
Most states have laws requiring employers to provide employees with time off to vote, and in some cases, this time must be paid. These laws often allow employees to give very little notice, so it’s important to be ready to accommodate last-minute requests on Election Day.
To minimize disruptions, consider encouraging employees to vote early if your state offers early voting. Offering the same time-off benefit for early voting can help reduce the number of employees who will need time off on Election Day. However, remember that the availability of early voting or absentee ballots does not negate an employee’s right to vote on Election Day itself if they choose.
Make sure to check the voting leave laws for the states where you operate, which can be found on your HR platform. Additionally, consider reviewing the guide "Managing Political Conversations and Supporting Employee Voting Rights" for more insights as Election Day nears.
Required Voting Notices
In certain states and jurisdictions, employers are also required to post notices about employees’ voting rights. If your employees work remotely or do not frequently report to a physical workplace, these notices should be provided electronically.
- California: Employers must post a notice about voting rights at least 10 days before the November 5 election. For this election, the deadline is October 26, which falls on a Saturday. If your business is closed on Saturdays, it’s advisable to post or send out this notice by Friday, October 25. The notice can be accessed in English and other languages here.
- District of Columbia: In DC, employers must post a voting leave notice created by the DC Board of Elections (DCBOE) at least 60 days before the November 5 election, which means the notice should have been posted by September 6. For remote employees, you must obtain their acknowledgment of receipt if the notice is provided electronically. The required notice for this election is available in English and other languages here.
- New York: New York requires a voting leave notice to be posted at least 10 working days before the November 5 election. This means the notice should be posted by October 22 for a Monday through Friday workplace. The notice can be found here.
Conclusion
As Election Day draws near, it’s essential to ensure your business is compliant with voting leave laws and that you’ve posted all required notices. By being proactive, you can help support your employees' right to vote while minimizing disruption to your operations. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance.
