Voting

A Voting policy explains when eligible employees can take paid or unpaid time off to vote when their work schedule would otherwise prevent voting during polling hours, including notice and scheduling expectations and protections against retaliation.

How to Write a Voting Policy

• Start with "why" and introduce the concept.
• Encourage employees to vote and set the expectation that they should try to vote outside working hours when possible.
• Explain when employees may take time off to vote based on whether their work schedule leaves enough time while polls are open.
• State whether voting time off is paid or unpaid.
• Describe how much time off may be approved, using a simple cap or a "time needed" approach.
• Ask employees to coordinate the timing of voting leave in advance so you can schedule coverage.
• State whether employees must provide proof of voting.
• Include a non-retaliation statement that employees will not be disciplined or threatened for choosing to vote or not vote.

For advice on writing a Voting policy in a specific jurisdiction, see below.