Time Off to Vote Act

Guaranteed Voting Time: Employees will receive a minimum of 2 consecutive hours of paid leave to vote, return mail ballots, or engage in other voting activities during Federal elections (Section 2(a)).

Protection of Benefits: Taking this leave cannot result in the loss of any employment benefits that an employee earned before taking the leave (Section 2(c)).

Worker Protections: The law prohibits employers from discriminating against, interfering with, or retaliating against employees who exercise their right to take leave to vote (Section 2(d)).

Enhanced State/Local Rights: This Act does not replace state or local laws that already provide more beneficial voting leave terms to employees (Section 2(h)).

Employer Control Over Timing: Employers have the right to specify the exact hours an employee takes their leave, which could include requiring them to use an early voting period instead of Election Day (Section 2(b)).

Restrictions on Leave Use: Employers are not required to include lunch breaks or other break periods within the 2-hour leave period (Section 2(b)).

Financial Burden on Employers: Employers that violate the Act may be subject to civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation (Section 2(f)).