State law requires employers allow employees time off to vote
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 27, 2015) — Polls for the Nov. 3 General Election will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, and any eligible voter who is in line to vote by 6 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot, said Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes. She said the morning and evening rush hours and lunch time tend to be busiest, so individuals voting during those periods should plan accordingly.
“Every election matters, and every vote counts,” said Grimes, Kentucky’s chief election official. “Our commonwealth is at its best when everyone’s voice is heard, and it’s important to be knowledgeable about the election process so you can have a meaningful opportunity to participate.”
Grimes also urges voters to avoid surprises on Election Day by verifying their polling locations and viewing sample ballots through the Voter Information Center at www.elect.ky.gov.
Under Kentucky law, employers must allow employees who are eligible to vote to be absent from work for at least four hours in order to cast a ballot. Kentuckians who will be working on Election Day outside the county in which they reside are eligible to vote by absentee ballot. Employers may specify the hours during which an employee may be absent, and employees should request voting leave in advance of the day on which they will vote. Employers have discretion whether to compensate employees for voting leave.
Applications for mail-in absentee ballots must be received by the county clerk no later than close of business today, and the voted ballots must be received by the county clerk by 6 p.m. local time on Nov. 3. In-person absentee voting is currently available in all county clerks’ offices and will remain open until close of business on Monday, Nov. 2.
For additional election information, visit www.sos.ky.gov.
Add Comment