As voting registration deadlines approach and presidential debates take center stage, employers are reminded that their employees often need time off from work to vote. Although most states have laws that give employees the right to take voting leave, these laws vary substantially from one state to the next. For example, at least two states, New York and California, require employers to conspicuously post a notice of employees' rights to take time off to vote at least ten days before the election. Three states, Colorado, Oregon and Washington, hold all elections entirely by mail.

Practical Law has resources to help employers understand their obligations around voting leave law, including the amount of leave and notice required, compensation, and exclusions: