With thousands of locations to get registered and three different options for voting, all eligible Ohioans have access to vote.
Ohio, like other states, has specific voter leave rules, allowing eligible employees to take time off work to vote in elections. Please note that these laws may change from time to time, so it’s essential to verify the most up-to-date information with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office or your local election authority.
Voting is a fundamental right of every American and every election matters. This coming election season, employers in Ohio must encourage every employee to vote. As always, contact the HR experts at Clarity HR with any questions you may have about how you can help your employees get to the polls.
As stated in Section 3599.06, No employer, his officer or agent, shall discharge or threaten to discharge an elector for taking a reasonable amount of time to vote on election day; or require or order an elector to accompany him to a voting place upon such day; or refuse to permit such elector to serve as an election official on any registration or election day; or indirectly use any force or restraint or threaten to inflict any injury, harm, or loss; or in any other manner practice intimidation in order to induce or compel such person to vote or refrain from voting for or against any person or question or issue submitted to the voters.
MORE TO KNOW ABOUT OHIO VOTER LEAVE LAWS:
TIME OFF TO VOTE: Ohio law provides that eligible employees have the right to take time off work to vote on Election Day.
It is only a “reasonable” amount of time, as determined by the employer. The only pay requirement for employers is that they cannot deduct pay from a salaried employee for time spent voting.
ELIGIBILITY: To qualify for voter leave, an employee must be a registered voter in Ohio and must not have had sufficient time to vote outside of their working hours. In other words, if your work schedule, including time spent commuting, is entirely within the hours the polls are open (usually 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM), you are eligible for voter leave.
ADVANCE NOTICE: There is no statutory notice required, though an employer may request an employee to give advance notice. The notice should be given at least one day before Election Day. Allowing employers to plan for work schedules accordingly.
PROOF OF VOTING: Employers may require employees to provide proof that they voted, such as an “I Voted” sticker or a receipt from the polling place. However, Ohio law prohibits employers from demanding to know how an employee voted.
Visit www.ohiosos.gov/elections for information about voting, candidates, the election calendar, absentee voting, and election results. Also, you will find resources for election officials and Ohio precinct election officials.
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