With the November 5, 2024 election quickly approaching, many employers may be wondering if they are required to grant paid or unpaid leave to allow employees time to vote. There is no such requirement under Virginia or Federal law, however employers are encouraged to make reasonable decisions, especially with employees whose work hours conflict with polling times on election day. Keep in mind, absentee and early voting options are available in most jurisdictions.
There are protections under Virginia law for persons serving as a member of a local electoral board, as deputy general registrar, or an officer of election. Those individuals shall neither be discharged from employment nor have any adverse personnel action taken against them, nor shall they be required to use sick leave or vacation time, as a result of their absence from employment due to service at a polling place on election day or at a meeting of the electoral board following the election to ascertain the results of such election, provided they gave reasonable notice to their employer of such service.
If you have questions regarding paid or unpaid leave for your employees, or any other employment matters, please contact the employment attorneys at PLDR.
