On Tuesday, the ACLU of Georgia sent a letter to major companies and general counsel groups statewide, emphasizing their legal obligation to provide employees time off to vote in the 2026 elections.
This year, Georgia voters will participate in special elections in March and general elections scheduled in May and November. State law requires employers to allow workers up to two hours off to vote, provided the employee gives reasonable notice.
Changes in state law expanded these protections. Since July 2023, employers must allow time off on Election Day and during early in-person voting. The law also removed a loophole that excluded many workers based on their schedules. Now, regardless of work hours, employees are entitled to two hours off to cast their ballot.
"Our letter affirms that every eligible Georgian should be able to participate in the democratic process without risking their job or paycheck," said Raneem Ashrawi, staff attorney, ACLU of Georgia.
Read the letter here.
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