With Maryland’s Primary Election Day quickly approaching (Tuesday, July 19, 2022) followed by the General Election Day (Tuesday, November 8,2022), we thought it was time for a quick reminder about what leave rights your employees have to vote.

The law states, “Every employer in [Maryland] shall permit any employee who claims to be a registered voter in the State a period not to exceed 2 hours absence from work on election day in order to cast a ballot if the employee does not have 2 hours of continuous off-duty during the time that the polls are open.” (Emphasis added).

Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The employer shall pay the employee for the 2-hour absence from work. Employees are required to furnish to their employer proof that the employee has voted or attempted to vote on a form provided by the polling place in order to justify payment.

For questions about other workplace benefits, please contact me at LRubenstein@RKWlawgroup.com.

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