New York Voters to Access Paid Time Off

Eligible employees in New York can take up to two hours of paid leave to cast their ballots this election season.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a brass ballot slot on a stone surface, evoking voting access policy in New York. — New York state law now mandates that employers provide eligible workers up to two hours of paid time off to cast their ballots. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support mandatory paid time off for employees to cast their votes on Election Day?

New York state law mandates that employers grant eligible employees up to two hours of paid time off to vote. This requirement applies to registered voters who lack at least four consecutive hours of poll access outside of their scheduled work shift.

Why it matters

The law aims to guarantee that all residents have sufficient opportunity to cast ballots, regardless of their work schedules. It prevents employers from forcing workers to use vacation or personal leave for the purpose of voting.

Eligible workers must provide notice between two and ten working days before the election. Employers are required to post notices of these rights in a visible location at least ten working days prior to November 3, 2026.

The players

New York Attorney General

This state office is responsible for enforcing election laws and addressing voting-related disputes for residents.

The details

Employees are permitted to take this leave at the start or end of their shift unless an alternative agreement is reached with their employer. Anyone facing issues securing this time may contact the New York Attorney General at 1-866-390-2992.

October 24, 2026: Early voting begins in New York.
November 1, 2026: Early voting ends.
November 3, 2026: Election Day.

Political Context

This mandate exists within the broader framework of New York State Election Law, which governs ballot access procedures. Some employer advocacy groups historically argue that such mandates impose unnecessary scheduling burdens on small businesses during peak operation periods.

Workers who lack four hours of free time outside their shift should notify their employer promptly to secure their paid leave. Failure to provide proper notice between two and ten days before the election could affect your ability to claim this time off.

The takeaway

Eligible employees should check their work schedules now to determine if they qualify for this paid leave. If you believe your rights are being violated, contact the New York Attorney General to report the issue.