By Michele Moreno
Today millions of Americans will flock to the polls to cast their vote in the 2018 midterm elections. Workers in New York should not be deterred from voting for fear of missing out on paid time at work – there are protections afforded to you under the law.

New York State Election Law (NY CLS Elec § 3-110) mandates that if you do not have sufficient time to vote outside of your working hours, you may take time off up to two hours at the beginning or end of your shift with pay to vote.

“Sufficient time” is defined as four consecutive hours, either between the opening of the polls and the beginning of your work shift, or between the end of your working shift and the closing of the polls.

However, you must give your employer notice of your intention to take this paid time. You must give notice between two and ten days before election day.

Further, your employer is required to post notice of this law in the workplace in a clear and visible spot no less than ten working days before every election and until the close of polls on election day.