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Can an employee have a paid leave for voting on Election Day in Tennessee?

Can an employee have a paid leave for voting on Election Day in Tennessee?

Q: Do I need to notify my employer in advance to take time off to vote?

Yes, in Tennessee, employees must notify their employer by 12:00 p.m. the day before the election if they need time off to vote. This allows employers to manage work schedules accordingly.

Q: Can employers deny time off for voting in Tennessee?

Employers in Tennessee cannot deny reasonable time off for voting, as long as the employee requests it properly and their work schedule does not allow for three consecutive hours of free time to vote. Employers can decide when the time off will be taken.

Q: Is the time off for voting in Tennessee paid?

Yes, the time off for voting in Tennessee is paid. Employees are entitled to up to three hours of paid leave to ensure they can participate in the election.

Q: What happens if I don't notify my employer about taking time off to vote?

If you fail to notify your employer by 12:00 p.m. the day before the election, they may not be required to grant you time off to vote. It's important to follow the notification guidelines to ensure your right to take leave.

Full question:

Can an employee have a paid leave for voting on Election Day in Tennessee?

Category: Election Laws
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Tennessee

Answer:

An employee is given a reasonable period of time off to vote, not to exceed three hours, unless work is begun three or more hours after the polls open or ends three or more hours before the polls close. The employee must give notice of the need for time off to vote at least before 12:00 p.m. on the day prior to the election. The employer may specify the time off that the employee is given to vote. This time off is paid. (Tenn. Code Ann. Section 2-1-106).

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What are the voting hours in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, polling places are generally open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time on Election Day. However, specific hours may vary by location, so it's advisable to check with your local election office for the exact times.