August 22, 2024

Employee Voting Time Off

Election Day is coming up on Tuesday, November 5. This is a note to remind our members of the voting time requirements for employees found in KRS 118.035.

KRS 118.035 prohibits employees from being penalized for taking reasonable time off to vote as long as the request for time off to vote is made at least one day in advance and the employer will grant a reasonable period of voting leave (not less than four hours if specifically requested by the employee).

The time can be paid or unpaid, and the employer may specify the hours during which the employee may be absent.

An employee who requests and takes voting leave but fails to vote without an acceptable reason can be subject to discipline by the employer. (KRS 118.035(3))

If you have any questions about voting time off or would like the KLC Personnel Services team to look at your existing policy, contact the KLC Municipal Law Department at 800.876.4552.