Time Off to Vote Policy: 2024 Employer Requirements

With the 2024 election approaching, employers should be aware of state-specific requirements regarding time off for voting. Supporting your employees in fulfilling their civic duty is important, but it’s also required to stay compliant with some state mandates.

While there is no federal law requiring employers to provide time off to vote, over half of U.S. states have laws around time off to vote.

Understanding the Legal Requirements

State regulations vary widely when it comes to voting leave. Some states, like Florida and Montana, have no legal requirements, while others outline exactly how much time off is required and whether it must be paid or unpaid.

As with any employment law, it’s vital to know your state’s specific rules to properly support your team and stay compliant.

In Georgia, for example, if an employee cannot vote during non-working hours, employers must provide up to two hours of leave to vote. This leave cannot be deducted from PTO or other leave balances, and employees are expected to give reasonable notice. It’s a good idea to have a dedicated “Time Off to Vote” policy in your handbook.

Best Practices for Managing Time Off to Vote

1. Review State Requirements
   Voting policies differ by state, so confirm the current laws wherever you have employees. For multi-state employers, tailor policies to each location, taking note of whether time off is paid or unpaid in each state.

2. Maintain a Clear, Written Policy
   Make sure your policy is easy to understand. A common standard is to provide up to two hours of time off to vote if employees are unable to do so during non-working hours. Ensure that your request process aligns with other time-off procedures, and clarify that this leave does not impact any other leave balances.

3. Communicate with Employees
   Proactively share your policy, using company-wide emails, your intranet, or employee handbooks. Clear communication helps employees understand their rights and the steps to take if they need time off to vote.

4. Encourage Participation Beyond Compliance
   Go beyond just meeting the legal requirements. Encourage early voting, mail-in ballots, and provide resources to help employees find polling places and hours. This shows support for civic participation and helps employees balance voting with work.

Free Policy Download

If you’d like a free Time Off to Vote policy template to copy and paste into your employee handbook, click here. Please note this is a Georgia-specific policy—check your own state law to make any necessary adjustments. 

If you need help understanding your state’s regulations, we are here to assist, or you can consult with your employment attorney.

Encourage and support your employees to get out and vote!