Federal law does not require giving time off to vote, but a majority of states mandate voting leave time especially where an employee’s work hours do not permit sufficient time to vote during poll hours. Exempt employees who take time off to vote during normal working hours should not have their pay reduced for exercising their right to vote, since this could jeopardize their exempt status under the Fair Labor Standards Act. State voting leave laws also vary on whether such time off must be paid or unpaid.

 
Please Note: This material is provided as general information and is not a substitute for legal or other professional advice. Contact the Knowledge Center for more information.
 

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