Utahns are guaranteed time off work to vote. Here's how to plan ahead
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Utah is one of 21 states that require employers to provide paid leave so workers can vote. That way you can get your sticker if you don't want to pull the lever or vote by mail before Nov. 5.
Why it matters: It's yet another way this deep-red state generally supports policies that protect voting access.
- Utah has long been a standout among GOP-controlled states for its universal mail-in ballots and widespread early voting.
How it works: Under state law, an employee should "apply for a leave of absence" before Election Day.
- Bosses who say no or dock voters' pay may face a Class B misdemeanor charge.
Caveat: Employees are not entitled to play hooky if their work hours allow for three consecutive hours when they aren't on the job while polls are open, the law states.
The fine print: Eligible voters may take up to two hours off.
- Employers must let workers arrive late or leave early if they request it; otherwise, the boss is allowed to pick the hours you take off.
Zoom out: The lack of a federal work-vote-balance law has left a patchwork of state laws protecting workers' time at the polls, Axios' Avery Lotz reports.
Catch up quick: There has been a push in recent years for U.S. companies to guarantee paid time off for their employees to vote, regardless of state statutes.
- Snap Inc., Linktree, Kayak, and Hims & Hers are among several brands that have joined Vote.org's ElectionDay.org campaign — an initiative that relaunched on Tuesday to enlist organizations to provide employees with paid time off to vote.
What they're saying: "We believe that no voters should have to choose between their paycheck and their right to vote," said Tyler Hagenbuch, Vote.org's head of strategic partnerships.