State law requires that workers have ample time to cast ballots

Published: November 2, 2008 Comment on this article

Multimedia

Photoview all photos

Article Gallery: State law requires that workers have ample time to cast ballots

NewsOK Related Articles

Oklahoma law gives employees time to vote Tuesday
11/02/2008 Long lines for early voters and expected crowds at the polls Tuesday could leave some voters concerned about spending extra time away from work on Election...

Q: Does an employee have to ask in advance for the time off? A: That's right. To qualify, the employee must be a registered voter and notify the employer the day before the election — either in writing or orally — if he/she needs time off to vote. It is then up to the employer to specify what time the employee may take off to vote. The time off is paid with proof of voting; most employers are happy to accept the “I voted” stickers as proof. Q: Are there any exceptions? A: An employee is excluded if his/her work day begins three hours or more after the polls open or ends three hours or more before the polls close. In addition, an employer may change the employee's regular work schedule so he/she will have the required three consecutive non-working hours off to vote. If this happens, the employer must notify the employee which hours he/she is allowed to attend the election. Paula Burkes, Business Writer