Wyoming law requires employers to give employees time off in order to vote.  That, a reminder coming from Wyoming Secretary of State, Max Maxfield.

In a release from the Secretary of State’s Office, Maxfield said that Wyoming State Law requires employers to give an hour off, druing polling hours, for employees to visit their polling sites and cast their votes.  Maxfield went on to say that ”The hour off shall not be a meal hour and may be selected at the convenience of the employer; employees must use the hour to vote as intended by the law.”  Maxfield went on to point out that the law does not apply to employees with three or more consecutive non-working hours during the time polls are open, and there are exceptions for some federal agencies.

State Election Director, Peggy Nighswonger says that Election Offices receive many inquiries during election season.  “Although a variety of employees ask questions about time off to vote, shift workers seem to make the most inquiries.”

Secretary of State Maxfield encourages employers and employees alike to be good citizens and exercise their right to participate in the election process. The Primary Election is August 21. Polls open 7:00 a.m. and remain open until all those in line at 7:00 p.m. have cast their ballot.

Under state law, employers who do not allow eligible employees time off to vote may face a misdemeanor criminal charge, with a possible fine of up to $1,000.

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