Voting Leave Laws by State

Although most states have enacted specific laws that afford employees the right to take time off from work in order to vote, such provisions vary substantially from one to the next. For example, a few states go so far as to require paid time off, while others entitle employees the right to use accrued personal leave. On the other hand, several states allow employers to require advance notice or proof of participation in the voting process. Some states will actually impose criminal penalties upon those employers who discharge or otherwise penalize employees for taking time off to fulfill their voting responsibilities. Please see the chart below.