Election 2026: Employers’ state and local obligations for employee voting time off
In advance of Election Day and early voting periods, employers should review the voting leave requirements applicable to their workforces. Although no federal law requires private employers to provide voting leave, 28 states and the District of Columbia impose some form of requirement. Generally, the leave laws vary regarding the amount and timing of leave, whether leave is paid, and the applicable employee notice and employer posting obligations. The laws’ application to early voting often is unclear because most jurisdictions’ voting leave laws don’t directly address the issue. However, Colorado, Georgia, and D.C. are among the jurisdictions that provide specific guidance.
This article highlights recurring compliance issues, notable requirements for 2026, and selected state laws.
Understanding state-specific obligations