MACON, Ga. — Counties across Georgia continue to report record turnout as voters take advantage of early voting. Most election offices are providing weekend voting but if your work schedule conflicts with poll hours, you may be able to ask your employer to take reasonable leave.
THE QUESTION
Are employers still obligated to give you time off to vote?
THE SOURCES
- State Election Law — SB 129
THE ANSWER
Yes, employers are obligated to give you time off to vote. Not every state has policies requiring employers to give their workers time off but Georgia does. So even if your work hours do give you enough flexibility to cast your ballot in person, you’re entitled to voting leave.
WHAT WE FOUND
Georgia’s early voting turnout is much higher than past presidential elections.
“More and more people want to take advantage of this early in person voting, which is a relatively new idea,” Bullock said.
Historically state employers were required to give employees un-paid voter leave on election day or during the primary. But it only applied to employees who couldn’t vote outside of working hours…