Employer voting requirements in Nevada

Like most states, Nevada has voting laws that require employers to give a specific amount of time off to allow employees to cast a ballot on Election Day.

Chris Radoff, an AV technician at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, was happily surprised at how easy the process was.

“I walked right in, sat right down, they gave me my little Battle Born card and I voted away,” said Radoff.

Voters wanting to avoid possible long lines on Election Day could vote in Washoe County, October 22 through November 4, in 23 early voting locations.

“I early voted because I knew it wouldn’t be as crowded,” said Mason Frey, Noble Pie Parlors Cook. “I didn’t want to stress about working it in my schedule on Nov. 8.”

For many businesses, scheduling time off can be complicated.

“In the restaurant business, allowing someone to clock out and leave or calling someone in all depends on how busy we anticipate for it to be that day or night,” Frey said.

Unlike early voting, on Election Day voters must vote only at their designated polling location. This gives voters less of a chance to vote in convenient locations.

“It would be nice if it was on a weekend, so Monday through Friday work schedules don’t conflict as much,” Frey said.

Radoff agreed.

“It would create more opportunity especially for people who have to work two jobs, and can’t get away,” Radoff said. “I personally wish voting day was on a Monday, so it would make voting day a three-day weekend.”

Employees who are unable to vote before or after work are entitled to one to three paid hours to vote according to Nevada State Law. The amount of time depends on the distance between work and the polling station.

Nearly every state prohibits employers from firing or disciplining an employee who takes time off to vote. An employee who works two miles or less from a polling place may take one hour per 10 miles or two hours for more than 10 miles. The employer would decide when voting hours are taken.

In 2012, turnout on Election Day was only 24.76% in Nevada. Another 56% voted early. These statistics provide evidence that Election Day voting is not convenient for a majority of Nevadans. The convenience of early voting gives voters a reason to participate in our democracy.

“Participation is the idea of a democracy,” said Radoff.