Employment trends expert explains voting rights and workplace regulations
As Election Day approaches, millions of Americans have already voted via absentee ballot or early in-person voting. Yet due to unprecedented long lines and concerns around the coronavirus, many people still haven’t managed to cast their ballot. Here is what employers need to know about employees’ rights around Election Day, for those who still need to make their voice heard.
“Some states require that employers give employees time off to vote, provided that the employees’ working hours will prevent them from making it to the polls either before or after their shift,” says Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA. “For example, Illinois requires employers to provide up to 2 hours of paid time off for employees casting a ballot. Other states such as Wisconsin and Arkansas will provide employees time off to vote, but it is unpaid.”
Wilson says employers should become familiar with state laws regarding election rights in their area, as these laws take precedence even during national elections.