Today is Election Day! I had a few more people ask about “the rules” around allowing employees time off to vote.
Voting stations are open 9 am to 9 pm. If your Employee(s) have work schedules that would otherwise not permit them to visit their polling station during the polls operating hours, the employer must allow the worker three consecutive hours in which to attend their polling station and cast their vote. The “timing” of the three hours is dependent upon employer needs (i.e. they should not take the three hours during the busiest time of their shift).
It is also important to note that employers cannot deduct pay for employees who exercise this right, meaning that employees are paid for this time off.