Election Day is coming up on Tuesday, November 4, and employers should be prepared for requests from employees for time off to vote. There are no regulations that require employers to give time off to vote under federal, NC, or SC laws. Make sure to check other state and local laws that might apply.
In most workplaces, employees have time before or after work to vote, but there might be exceptions for employees working an unusual shift; for example, an employee on a 12-hour shift may not be able to vote in person without missing scheduled work time.
Employers need to plan and communicate with their supervisors and team members about expectations for taking time off to vote. Many employers encourage employees to vote outside of working hours, but will provide excused and unpaid time if requested in advance. Other employers allow paid time or allow employees to arrive late or leave early. Consider the employee relations impact if you do not allow some flexibility for voting time.