Can I leave work to vote in Wisconsin? What workers should know about their rights

Wisconsin law has specific provisions that protect the right to vote for workers who might have find it difficult to cast their ballot before Election Day.

Of course, Wisconsinites can vote absentee by mail and in person during the weeks leading up to election day. Early voting starts in Wisconsin Oct. 22 and goes through Nov. 3. Many early voting locations have weekend hours.

Can I vote during work hours on Election Day?

Yes, Wisconsinites have the option to vote on election day during their work hours.

All employers in Wisconsin are required to give employees up to three successive hours to vote on each election day, regardless of the size and type of business, according to Wisconsin voting law.

However, Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development notes that employees are required to notify their employers before election day that they intend to be absent to vote, and the employer gets to decide the time of day employees are excused to vote.

Additionally, employers may deduct the time lost from pay, but they are not allowed to discipline or penalize employees for the absence.

Can I work at a polling place in Wisconsin on Election Day?

Wisconsin law also requires employers to allow employees who become poll workers to receive an unpaid leave of absence on Election Day, if they give seven days’ notice. State employees who become election officials must continue to receive pay and benefits, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

Can my employer tell me who to vote for or penalize me for voting?

No, employers are not permitted to make threats intended to influence the political opinions or actions of their employees, according to Wisconsin law. They also cannot distribute printed materials that threaten business shut down or reduction in salaries or wages based on the success of a certain political party, candidate or referendum. Additionally, all ballots are anonymous.

Those who experience issues or barriers negotiating this process with employers are encouraged to reach out to the DWD and file a Labor Standards Complaint to protect their right to vote.

For more information, the DWD recommends reaching out its offices in Milwaukee at 414-227-4384, Madison at 608-266-6860.

Contact Claudia Levens at [email protected]. Follow her on X at @levensc13

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Can I leave work to vote on Election Day in Wisconsin: What to know