Giving Employees Time Off to Vote

by Jude Biggs
of Holland & Hart LLP

With the election just around the corner, this is a good time to review what Colorado says about employees taking time off to vote. Here it is in a nutshell:

• Employees may take up to two hours off to vote; however, employees need not be given time off if they have three or more non-working hours when the polls are open to vote.

Employees must give notice of their need for leave prior to election day.

The employer can specify the hours that the employee may take off, but the hours must be at the beginning or end of the employee’s work shift if the employee requests it.

The time off is paid.

Employees who take time off to vote cannot be penalized or fired for doing so.

Jude Biggs is a partner with Holland & Hart LLP. For more information, call her at 303-473-2707 or send an email to jbiggs@hollandhart.com.