|
The big day is finally here - Election Day and everyone's vote counts. Most citizens know that they have a right to vote, but many employers don't know that they have an obligation to support this right. It's important to know your part as an employer in supporting your employees.
Federal Law does give eligible individuals the right to vote; it doesn't require you to give employees time-off from work to cast their ballots. Over half of all states do require that you allow time-off to vote, but Pennsylvania does not require paid time off for voting.
For example, in New York, an employer must give up to two paid hours off from work to vote if employees do not have sufficient time outside of working hours to vote.
The right to vote is a core value in our democratic society and is an important function in which every citizen should participate. I believe very strongly that every citizen should vote and have talked with some of our clients who feel the same way. I was talking with one business owner last week who actually gives an extra-half hour of pay for those who vote. Not required by law, but is part of her commitment to support our free-enterprise government.
So, in Pennsylvania you are not required to do anything as an employer, but you might want to consider what your position is and whether you want to encourage your employees to take the time to vote. You could let them come in a little later or leave a half-hour earlier, without docking their pay, so they can get to the polls. There should be heavy voting this year, so they will probably be facing long lines.
And, it goes without saying, lead by example and make sure you vote, too.
| 
