Why This Upcoming Date Is Important In New York

The date is coming up very quickly, so make sure you're prepared in every way possible.

It's hard to believe that it's already almost November, time just seems to be flying by these days. This November is unlike last November, there's something pretty big that will be happening and it doesn't happen every November.

Why is this upcoming date important in New York?

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Election Day is happening on Tuesday, November 5th and it's a big day in New York and for the country. It falls on a Tuesday so that can be a bit tricky for some people who are working, but there are some special rules in place to help out with this and it's good to refresh yourself on them before Election Day rolls around.

What is Time Off To Vote Mean in New York when it comes to voting?

According to officials, there's a New York State Election Law that provides employees time off for voting and it was recently amended in April 3rd, 2020. So what exactly does that mean for working people in New York?

New York State employees are eligible for up to 2 hours of paid time off if they do not have sufficient time off to vote
Having sufficient time to vote as an employee means:having four consecutive hours to vote either from the opening of the polls to the beginning of their work shift, or four consecutive hours between the end of a working shift and the closing of the polls

Many people don't work a traditional 9-5 job so there are special rules in place to help get everyone to the polls.

What other rules protect employees heading out to the polls?

There are a few things to be mindful of when it comes to your job and voting:

The Election Law provides for up to two hours of paid time off to give an employee time to vote (when added to their voting time outside their working hours)
Employees must notify an employer at least two working days prior to their intention to take paid time off to vote
Employees cannot be required to use any other form of earned leave time to vote

Make sure you take time and prepare for any help you might need for voting, click here for more details. We wish everyone a safe and easy voting experience here in the Hudson Valley and hope everything goes very smooth.