Minnesota Secretary Of State - Time off work to vote
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Time off work to vote


You have a right to take time off work to vote without losing your pay, personal leave, or vacation time.
  • Your employer must pay you for the time you need to vote, if it falls within your scheduled work time. Your employer cannot require you to use personal leave or vacation time (see Minnesota Statutes 204C.04 and 204C.08 subd. 1d).

  • Take only as much time as you need to vote and go to work.

  • Your employer cannot directly or indirectly refuse, limit, or interfere with this right, including what time you choose to vote.

  • Your employer can ask that you tell them when you will be gone, and ask that employees coordinate their absences to minimize workplace disruptions. 

  • You have the right to time off work to vote in all state and federal elections, and in all regularly scheduled local elections.

Print a factsheet on this topic

Download Time Off Work to Vote factsheet.

Complaints

An employer that violates this law is guilty of a misdemeanor. Any complaints from employees should be filed with the county attorney.

Letter for your employer

You can give a copy of this letter to employers from Secretary Simon to your employer, which explains your right to time off for voting.