Ten days prior to Election Day and until the close of polls on Election Day, employers in New York State must post conspicuously the statue N.Y. Election Law 3-110 where it can been seen by employees as they come and go from work.
Additionally, the law requires employers to provide employees who are registered voters up to 2 hours paid leave to vote if an employee does not have sufficient time during non-working hours to vote. Sufficient time is 4 consecutive hours off before their work start time or 4 consecutive hours off after their work end time.
The polls in New York State are open from 6 AM to 9 PM on November 4 for the General Election.
Therefore, if an employee works 9 AM to 5 PM, they have sufficient time at the end of the day to vote.If an employee works 10 AM to 6 PM,they have sufficient time before work to vote.
If an employee needs time off to vote, they must notify their employer not more than 10 working days and not less than 2 working days prior to the election.
Violation of New York Election law is a misdemeanor. Fines range from $100 to $500 and/or 1 year imprisonment plus corporations face forfeiture of their charter.
You can view and print the election poster at:
http://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/elections/AttentionEmployees.pdf
Employers and business owners can contact Compass Workforce Solutions for help with compliance issues such as this and many, many more. Speak with one of our HR Business Partners today at 631.794.7400.
