You can vote during work; what to know about your rights

Election Day is here and, in Tennessee, employers are legally required to allow their employees to vote during the workday.

Because of the pandemic, of course, many employers have transitioned to remote work or expanded work-from-home options, making voting more accessible for some during work hours. But barriers still exist for workers.

If you haven’t voted using an absentee or early voting ballot and are scheduled to work on Election Day, know your rights to avoid missing an opportunity to have your voice heard.

Here’s what you need to know about voting during work hours in this election.

Are employers required to give you time off to vote?

Employees are entitled to up to three hours off during the workday to vote, according to the Tennessee Code. If an employee chooses to leave work to vote, he or she cannot be penalized and their pay cannot be cut because of an absence.

Although employers are required to give workers time to vote, there are some exceptions. Employers do not have to give workers time off if the employee’s workday begins more than three hours after the polls open or ends more than three hours before polls close.

Can workers get paid to vote?

Employees who leave work to vote can be paid for their absence. However, employers do not have to continue paying employees if they miss more than three hours of work, per the Tennessee Code.

Lines could be long on Election Day, and there’s no limit to how much time voters can spend at polling places. If you plan to vote on Election Day, prepare for additional time in line and plan to vote when you’re least busy during the workday.

Do employees need to ask for time off to vote?

Just as employees have a right to vote during work, employers have a right to tell their workers when they can leave to vote.

Employees planning to vote during the workday had to notify their employer no later than noon the day before an election. Then, the two can choose an agreeable three-hour slot for the worker to vote.

Do workers have to show proof of voting?

Tennessee workers do not have to verify with their employers that they used their three hours off to vote. Although, voters should pick up an “I Voted” sticker on their way out of the precinct to show off that they did their civic duty!