No American should face the choice between earning a paycheck and exercising their right to vote. But because we do not guarantee Americans time off to vote, many face just this choice.
That’s why AFGE supports a pro-voting rights bill that has just been introduced in the House of Representatives to require employers to provide their workers with at least two hours of paid leave to vote in a federal election, making sure voting is a right and not a privilege.
The bill, H.R.7489, was introduced by Rep. Matt Cartwright of Pennsylvania and 36 original cosponsors.
AFGE represents thousands of employees who work long hours, scores of front-line workers on shifts around the clock, and even more who work far from home and endure long commutes. The Time Off to Vote Act will help to ensure these employees are not prevented from exercising their right to vote because their work schedules make it difficult to get to the polls on election day.
We support the Time Off to Vote Act and look forward to its passage so that all employees may more fully participate in our democracy.