You probably already know that there's an election coming up.
Presidential elections tend to take over the news cycles leading up to the event. There's no denying it's an important election—and it's a huge privilege to exercise your voting rights.
However, small elections are just as important, if not more important. Small elections feed upwards. For one thing, local elections affect you directly (which also puts to bed the non-voter's line of "my vote doesn't even matter!") in terms of school funding, public transit, policing, public safety, and so much more. Also, many landmark federal policies first originate at the local level, so why not get in at the ground level? We could talk for ages on why local elections matter, but you should read this article by Melissa Wyatt to get the picture. Voting is important—at all levels.
So then why, in 2020, does it still seem difficult to gain clarity around voting? We're here to help provide some help—and to hopefully convince your boss that you need time off to vote this year and in every election.
Feel free to jump ahead to the section that is pertinent to you and your voting needs:
- How to Check Your Registration Status and Register to Vote
- How to Vote By Mail
- How to Vote In Person
- How to Ask for Time Off to Vote
- Other Important Resources on Voting
A note from the editor: Due to the complicated nature of the 2020 Presidential election coinciding with Coronavirus, we did our very best to compile this advice and these resources.
We implore readers to exercise their right to vote and to carefully research all regulations around voting in their state and region. If you have any corrections, additions, or helpful resources to add, please reach out to us at editorial @ careercontessa.com.
How to Check Your Registration Status and Register to Vote
Part of the "problem" in gaining clarity around voting is that it varies from state to state. But don't worry, alongside your state's resources, there are many useful resources to take advantage of—all accessible on the worldwide web.
- Check your registration status
- Make sure your address is up-to-date
- Find your polling place
- OR Register to vote by mail
Once you've registered to vote, updated your voting address, found your polling place, or have decided to cast an absentee ballot, it's time to get to voting. Here's how.
How to Vote By Mail
Before:
Before voting by mail, you will want to check in on a few things with your state. For example, make sure you know your upcoming election dates and add them to your calendar. Next, you'll make sure you have all of the deadlines for your state. Each state is different, so don't take the advice from your friend from New Jersey or your auntie from Colorado.
Make sure you know the registration deadlines, absentee ballot deadlines, absentee ballot return deadlines, and have any early deadlines marked. Plan your voting accordingly.
If you decide to vote by mail or cast an absentee ballot, you may visit vote.org and request an absentee ballot. Provided that you request your ballot before your deadline, you will receive your ballot at the address you indicated.
Day of Election:
When you're voting by mail, election day is going to "happen" for you before election day. Again, it is imperative that you postmark by the deadline. If you are dropping your ballot off at a polling place, it must be delivered before polling closes on that election day.
How to Vote In Person
Before:
So, you want the full experience of waiting in line with your fellow voters, touching your physical ballot, and getting that "I Voted" sticker. We don't blame you. It's an exciting day for many Americans, newly-minted citizens, or someone who was ineligible to vote in other elections.
Before voting, do your research. Perhaps you received a booklet in the mail detailing the candidates up for election in your district. If not, these things are easy to Google. Use Vote411.org to research your candidates and ballot measures beforehand.
Once you've learned the ins and outs of every candidate and ballot measure, make sure you know where your polling place is—and what hours they will be keeping on election day. We'd even recommend taking a walk or a drive over to your polling place. Get a lay of the land before the big day!
Finally, before election day, brush up on your voting rights—especially if you have a disability, you speak English less than "very well", or if you encounter a broken polling machine. Know your recourse beforehand. Additionally, if you have a friend or a family member who falls into any of these categories, offer your help.
Day of Election:
It's election day! If you already secured your time off or if you're hitting the polls before or after work, we salute you! Make sure you bring identification to your polling place. We repeat: bring identification to your polling place. Don't get turned away because you forgot your license or state ID card in your other bag. While some states don't "require" identification, play it safe. One last time: bring identification to your polling place.
When waiting to vote, we'd recommend listening to a podcast or engaging in light conversation, if you want to do so. Know that voter intimidation is extremely illegal, so if you find that someone is trying to intimidate you, report it. You may report intimidation to the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE or 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español).
Finally, you're here. Cast your vote. Know that your poll workers are there to help you vote. If there is any confusion or misunderstanding, ask for assistance.
How to Ask for Time Off to Vote
Here at Career Contessa, we believe that voting is a crucial right that every American should have access to. Unfortunately, there is a history of voter suppression, inaccessibility for those with disabilities, lack of resources to those who need translators, and a general non-compliance with employers allowing their employees to take the time needed to vote.
Many states do have laws that allow employees to take time off to cast their votes. However, some states and regions—like Connecticut, Florida, and the District of Columbia (Seriously, D.C.?) have no laws in place that give workers time off to vote.
Other states and regions offer anything from one hour (Alabama) to "reasonable time" (Kentucky). Some states offer paid time off while others offer the time to vote on an unpaid status.
Check your state's laws on voting rights and time off to vote over at Workplace Fairness.
How to Ask Your Boss For Time Off to Vote
Greetings [NAME],
I hope this email reaches you well.
I am writing because I know I am expected to work [ELECTION DATE].
I wanted to take the time to get to my polling place before they close. I was hoping you could accommodate a block of time in the morning or late afternoon for me to cast my vote in this election.
I’m happy to discuss a reasonable way to accommodate this.
Thank you for your time.
Best,
[NAME]
I hope this email reaches you well.
I am writing because I know I am expected to work [ELECTION DATE].
I wanted to take the time to get to my polling place before they close. I was hoping you could accommodate a block of time in the morning or late afternoon for me to cast my vote in this election.
I’m happy to discuss a reasonable way to accommodate this.
Thank you for your time.
Best,
[NAME]
Letter to Boss Asking for Time Off to Vote (When You Live in a State Where Time off to Vote is Legally Required)
Greetings [NAME],
I hope this email reaches you well. I am writing because I know I am expected to work [ELECTION DATE].
As you know, the state of [STATE] allows employees [TIME ALLOTMENT] on election days, so that we may get our votes in.
I’m happy to discuss a reasonable way to accommodate this.
Thank you for your time.
Best,
[NAME]
I hope this email reaches you well. I am writing because I know I am expected to work [ELECTION DATE].
As you know, the state of [STATE] allows employees [TIME ALLOTMENT] on election days, so that we may get our votes in.
I’m happy to discuss a reasonable way to accommodate this.
Thank you for your time.
Best,
[NAME]
Other Important Resources on Voting
