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Employee release time available to vote Nov. 6

November 5, 2012

Photo of a clockPursuant to 10 ILCS 5/17-15, employers must allow two (2) hours for employees entitled to vote on Election Day.

The applicable statute reads, in part: “Any person entitled to vote at a general or special election or at any election at which propositions are submitted to a popular vote in this State, shall, on the day of such election, be entitled to absent himself from any services or employment in which he is then engaged or employed, for a period of two hours between tie time of opening and closing the polls …”

Because the polls are open in Illinois from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., most employees will have adequate time to vote before or after work.

However, employees eligible to voe may receive release time to absent themselves from services or employment for a time period not to exceed two (2) hours during polling times, subject to making an advance request to the supervisor prior to the day of the election.

Operational needs may be taken into account in scheduling any requested release time.

For more information, call Human Resource Services at (815) 753-6000.