--- title: Though not federally mandated, give employees time to cast their ballots description: Though not federally mandated, give employees time to cast their ballots --- [![BCN Services](https://info.bcnservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/BCN_Services_August2020/images/bcn-logo_blue_low-res_281-300x173.jpg?width=1200&height=200&name=bcn-logo_blue_low-res_281-300x173.jpg "BCN Services")](https://www.bcnservices.com/) - Menu Item 1 - Sub-menu Item 1 - Another Item - Sub-menu Item 2 - Menu Item 2 - Yet Another Item - Menu Item 3 - Menu Item 4 - Menu Item 1 - Sub-menu Item 1 - Another Item - Sub-menu Item 2 - Menu Item 2 - Yet Another Item - Menu Item 3 - Menu Item 4 [Search](https://info.bcnservices.com/?s=) # [BCN Services Blog](https://info.bcnservices.com) You are here: [Home](https://www.bcnservices.com) / [BCN Services Blog](https://info.bcnservices.com) / Though not federally mandated, give employees time to cast their ballots ## [Though not federally mandated, give employees time to cast their ballots](https://info.bcnservices.com/though-not-federally-mandated-give-employees-time-cast-ballots) November 3, 2016 Most people are aware that U.S. Election Day is Tuesday, November 8 in 2016.  With the presidential election taking place this year, voters may wait in long lines in order to cast a ballot. Many employers are fielding questions from employees about whether they will be able to miss time from work to vote.  As an employer, it’s important to understand what’s required of your company when it comes to the voting rights of your employees. Federal law does not mandate time off to vote.  Many states do have laws about allowing employees time off to exercise their right to vote.  These can include allowing employees time away from work  –  up to several hours of their working day in some cases  –  to be spent at the polls.  Some states even require that the time off of work to vote be paid for non-exempt employees.  (Exempt employees should be paid.) The state of Michigan is an example of a state that does not have specific laws about allowing your employees to vote.  It’s important to know the laws of your state to ensure that you are providing them the opportunities that your state affords.  Although it is not a compliance issue  , it’s good employment practice to make sure your employees have the opportunity to vote without being penalized if their regular work schedule doesn’t allow sufficient time to vote, regardless of the laws in your state. Remember that, as an employer, you should never attempt to influence employees’ votes or their decision-making process. [Call the experts at BCN](https://www.bcnservices.com/contact-us) if you have questions about the laws of your specific state related to employee rights and voting, or if you want to discuss an employment policy regarding this issue. We are here to help. 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