Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

Voting Leave: Are Employers Required to Grant Employees Time Off to Cast Their Ballots?

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: October 29, 2014

Key Contacts

Back

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2014. While most employees are able to cast their ballots outside of their working hours, some may need to take time off to vote. State law dictates whether employers need to provide employees time off to vote. While 32 states have regulations in place, the requirements differ widely, particularly with regard to whether the leave must be paid or unpaid. Therefore, it is imperative to consult with local counsel.

For New Jersey businesses, you are off the hook. The Garden State is one of the few states that do not have voting leave laws. However, employers are free to establish their own policies.

In New York, employers must provide paid leave for voting. Pursuant to New York State Law § 3-110:

  • If workers do not have sufficient time outside of their working hours to vote, employers must provide up to two hours of paid leave at the beginning or end of the employee’s shift to allow time to vote.
  • “Sufficient time” is defined as four consecutive hours either between the opening of the polls and the beginning of the working shift or between the end of the working shift and the closing of the polls.
  • In order to take time off, employees must request the leave between 2 and 10 days before Election Day.
  • Employers notify workers about their rights under New York’s Election Law.

Lastly, while employers can facilitate the voting process by providing time off, they must also be mindful not to influence workers to vote or not vote or to vote for any particular candidate, which will run afoul of state laws in both New York and New Jersey.

If you have questions about voter leave laws or would like to discuss your company’s employee policies, please contact me or the Scarinci Hollenbeck Labor and Employment attorney with whom you work. 

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
How to Dissolve a Corporation in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide post image

How to Dissolve a Corporation in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide

Closing your business can be a difficult and challenging task. For corporations, the process includes formal approval of the dissolution, winding up operations, resolving tax liabilities, and filing all required paperwork. Whether you need to understand how to dissolve a corporation in New York or New Jersey, it’s imperative to take all of the proper […]

Author: Christopher D. Warren

Link to post with title - "How to Dissolve a Corporation in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide"
Gross Lease vs. Net Lease: Understanding the Key Differences post image

Gross Lease vs. Net Lease: Understanding the Key Differences

Commercial leases can take a variety of forms, which is often confusing for both landlords and tenants. Understanding the different types, especially the gross lease structure, is important when selecting the lease that best suits your needs. One key distinction between lease types is how rent is calculated and paid. This article addresses the two […]

Author: Robert L. Baker, Jr.

Link to post with title - "Gross Lease vs. Net Lease: Understanding the Key Differences"
What to Do If You Are Impacted by a Retailer Bankruptcy Part 2 post image

What to Do If You Are Impacted by a Retailer Bankruptcy Part 2

Over the past year, brick-and-mortar stores have closed their doors at a record pace. Fluctuating consumer preferences, the rise of online shopping platforms, and ongoing economic uncertainty continue to put pressure on the retail industry. When a retailer seeks bankruptcy protection, a myriad of other businesses are often impacted. Whether you are a supplier, customer, […]

Author: Brian D. Spector

Link to post with title - "What to Do If You Are Impacted by a Retailer Bankruptcy Part 2"
The Current Administration's Proposals for the Financial Services and Banking Industries Will Affect Your Business post image

The Current Administration's Proposals for the Financial Services and Banking Industries Will Affect Your Business

Since his inauguration two months ago, Donald Trump’s administration and the Congress it controls have indicated important upcoming policy changes. These changes will impact financial services policies and priorities. The changes will particularly affect cryptocurrency, as well as banking rules and regulations. Key Regulatory Changes in Cryptocurrency For example, in the burgeoning cryptocurrency business environment, […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "The Current Administration's Proposals for the Financial Services and Banking Industries Will Affect Your Business"
Tips for Commercial Landlords Impacted by Wave of Retailer Bankruptcies Part 1 post image

Tips for Commercial Landlords Impacted by Wave of Retailer Bankruptcies Part 1

The retail sector has experienced a wave of bankruptcy filings over the last year. Brick-and-mortar businesses in financial distress include big-name brands like Big Lots, Party City, The Container Store, and Vitamin Shoppe. When large retailers seek bankruptcy protection, they are not the only businesses impacted. Landlords can be particularly hard hit. While commercial landlords […]

Author: Brian D. Spector

Link to post with title - "Tips for Commercial Landlords Impacted by Wave of Retailer Bankruptcies Part 1"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!

Please select a category(s) below: