Great Lakes Wire

With election day approaching on November 5, Michigan employers should be prepared to handle requests from employees seeking time off to vote. Although Michigan does not have a specific law mandating voting leave, employers can play a critical role in encouraging civic participation by creating policies that allow employees to exercise their right to vote.

Unlike some states with established laws that require employers to provide time off for voting, Michigan does not impose any such requirement. However, many companies in Michigan voluntarily allow their employees time off to vote, recognizing the importance of supporting democratic participation. Doing so can foster a positive work environment and demonstrate corporate social responsibility.

Providing employees with the opportunity to vote without worrying about their work schedule can have several benefits for employers:

- Employee Morale: Allowing time off to vote can boost employee morale, showing that the company values their civic engagement and personal responsibilities.

- Community Involvement: Employers who actively promote voting demonstrate a commitment to the community and encourage a culture of participation.

- Productivity: Having clear voting policies can prevent confusion on election day, helping employees manage their time and avoid last-minute absenteeism.

- Corporate Responsibility: Many companies see this as an important step in promoting good governance and social impact, improving the company’s public image.

Even though there are no voting leave laws in Michigan, employers can establish simple and effective policies to accommodate employees on election day:

- Create a Flexible Work Schedule: Allow employees flexibility in their work hours so they can vote before or after work. This is particularly helpful if employees live far from their polling station.

- Offer Paid or Unpaid Leave: Consider providing paid or unpaid time off for employees who need to leave during working hours to vote, especially if their polling location is far from the workplace.

- Encourage Early Voting: Michigan allows early voting through absentee ballots. Employers can encourage employees to vote early if they are concerned about meeting deadlines or taking time off.

- Post Election Day Reminders: Keep employees informed by sending reminders about voting deadlines and offering resources like polling locations and absentee ballot information.

By adopting these practices, Michigan employers can encourage civic responsibility while maintaining a productive and supportive workplace on November 5.

For State-by-State Voting Law Infographic; How, Where and When to Vote Infographic; Voting Leave Policies; and an HR Compliance Overview on this topic contact Linda Olejniczak, Director of Research and Events at ASE: lolejniczak@aseonline.org.

By Linda Olejniczak, courtesy of SBAM-approved partner ASE.

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