As everyone knows, election years can be a whirlwind. Beyond the debates and campaigns, there’s one crucial aspect business owners need to stay on top of, voting laws. Understanding these laws not only helps them but, also supports their employees in exercising their democratic rights. Let’s break it down.
U.S. election laws date back to Article 1 of the Constitution. This gave states the responsibility of overseeing federal elections. From voter registration deadlines to absentee voting rules, each state has its own set of guidelines. Here’s a quick rundown to help navigate this election year smoothly.
Voter Registration
Vote.gov and the U.S. Vote Foundation are two online resources with tools to help guide employees in a productive path towards voting within their respective state. No state allows same-day voter registration with the exception of North Dakota, while others have cut-off dates several weeks before Election Day.
Absentee and Early Voting
Absentee and early voting options have become more popular, especially with busy schedules and unexpected commitments. Most states offer absentee voting, but the rules can differ greatly. The National Association Secretaries of State (NASS) website is a good place to start and find more information about absentee and early voting.
Voting Leave Policies
Owners should check their state’s laws and communicate their company’s voting leave policy clearly to their teams. A quick overview of each state’s voting leave policy can be found on Vote 411 ‘s website.
Voter ID Requirements
Thirty-six states have laws requesting or requiring voters to show some form of identification at the polls. The remaining 14 states and Washington, D.C., use other methods to verify the identity of voters (National Conference of State Legislators).
Election years are busy times, but with a bit of preparation, business owners can ensure their operations run smoothly while supporting employees’ right to vote.
Want something engaging and fun to pass along to employees around the topic of voting? Check out the “How to Vote” tool at US.vote.
