This Chart Shows If Your Employer Should Give You Time to Vote.
You must know your right to vote, including if your employer allows you to take leave to vote. This chart shows what are your state’s election day free time rights so you can go to the polls.
The table includes a summary of eligibility for your state, where you can find the exact quote (in case your boss doesn’t believe you) and whether this spare time will be paid for or not. Here are some examples for some of the largest states:
- California : You can take a break at the beginning or end of your shift to vote, and you will be paid up to two hours of that time if you don’t have enough time to vote outside of business hours. If you know you will need a break to vote, notify your employer at least two days before Election Day.
- New York : You must ask for time off to vote two to ten days before Election Day. Your employer can decide whether to start or end your shift and must pay up to two hours. However, the break applies only if you “… you do not have 4 non-working hours in a row between the opening and closing of polling stations and you do not have” sufficient “non-working hours to vote …”
- Texas : You can get paid voting time if polls are closed for at least two straight hours outside of business hours.
- Florida : There are no specific laws requiring employers to provide free voting time.
I recommend reading the quotes for your state that highlight your free time in the electoral code to get all the details. Finding your rights is helpful now as some states require you to notify your employer several days in advance that you are leaving.
Day off to vote on laws in the states | Findlaw