Election Day Reminder to Employers

The election is only a few short weeks away. Remember that under Maryland law, an employee is allowed up to two hours to vote during his/her work day if the polls aren’t open two consecutive hours outside the employee’s regular shift. The time off is paid with proof that the employee voted. (Md. Code Ann. Section 10-315) If the polls are open for two consecutive hours outside an employee’s regular shift, an employer is not required to permit an employee to leave to vote on Election Day. Furthermore, if an employer permits an employee to leave to vote under these circumstances, that employer does not have to pay the employee for the time missed from work by the employee to vote.