Do employers have to give employees time off from work to vote?
Yes, employees are entitled to two hours off work: – The employee must give the employer notice prior to Election Day. (The Election Code does not specify what type of notice is required); – The employer may specify the 2-hour period during which the employee may be absent; – The employer must permit a 2-hour absence during hours if the employee’s working time starts before 7:59 a.m. (within two hours of the opening of polls) and the end time is after 5:01 p.m. (within two hours of the closing of polls). No employer shall refuse an employee the privilege of time off from work. No employer shall subject the employee to a penalty, including a reductionin compensation, due to such an absence from work.
