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

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

Q: How much time off do employees need to vote in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania law does not specify the amount of time off employees are entitled to for voting. Generally, employees should plan to take enough time to ensure they can cast their vote without feeling rushed. It’s advisable to discuss this with employers to determine what is reasonable and available.

Q: What should employees do if their request for time off to vote is denied?

If an employee's request for time off to vote is denied, they should first review their employer's policies and discuss the situation with their supervisor or HR department. If issues persist, employees may consider reaching out to local election officials or legal counsel for guidance on their rights regarding voting time off.

Full question:

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

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

Answer:

In Pennsylvania, there is no state law which deals with an employee’s time off to vote on Election Day.

Most states require employers to provide time for their employees to vote on Election Day. Although these laws vary in each state, they generally require employers to give their employees time off to vote unless the polls are open two or three hours outside the employee’s regular shift. Some states require employers to pay for the time off while some states require employees to request the time off from their employers in advance.
The public policy of all the states is to encourage voting in elections. An employer’s denial of an employee’s request to take time off to vote is therefore a violation of the state’s public policy.

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 rights for employees in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, employees have the right to vote, but there is no specific law requiring employers to provide paid leave for this purpose. Employers may allow time off to vote, but it is not mandated by state law. Employees should check their company's policy and communicate with their employer about any time needed to vote on Election Day.

Can employers in Pennsylvania deny time off for voting?

While Pennsylvania does not have a law specifically requiring paid leave for voting, employers may still choose to allow time off. However, denying a request for time off to vote could be viewed as contrary to public policy, which encourages participation in elections. Employees should discuss their needs with their employer in advance.