Question about MN election law

[Love Bug]

I know employers have to let you off work the morning of an election to vote. I also know they can't dock your pay. However, can they force you to make up the time? I've searched the net and can't find anything on that. Anyone know? thanks.

[jean]

1. I just called the Elections Div. at the Secy/State office - here's the

section we're talking about (she, Nancy, said the interpretation of whether your employer could force you to make up the time would probably be left up to interpretation of this law by the county attorney - so there's no pat answer to your question)

here's what she sent:

204C.04 Employees; time off to vote.



Subdivision 1. Right to be absent. Every employee

who is eligible to vote in an election has the right to be

absent from work for the purpose of voting during the morning of

the day of that election, without penalty or deduction from

salary or wages because of the absence. An employer or other

person may not directly or indirectly refuse, abridge, or

interfere with this right or any other election right of an

employee.



Subd. 2. Elections covered. For purposes of this

section, "election" means a regularly scheduled state primary or

general election, an election to fill a vacancy in the office of

United States senator or United States representative, or an

election to fill a vacancy in the office of state senator or

state representative.



Subd. 3. Penalty. A person who violates this section

is guilty of a misdemeanor, and the county attorney





Sincerely,

Nancy Breems

Elections Division

Office of the MN Secretary of State

[Love Bug]

2. Ok. Thanks!!