Do's and Don'ts in the Workplace on Election Day

It's that time of year - election time.  With the hustle and bustle of voting in the election and still maintaining professionalism in the workplace, there are a few Do's and Don'ts that employers should be aware of on election day.

1) Do allow time for your employees to vote.  Although Florida does not have a specific law allowing employees time off to vote, it's usually a good business practice to allow your employees to take extra time during lunch so that they can vote in the election.

2) Don't pressure your employees to vote for a specific candidate.  It is a federal crime for an employer (or anyone else) to interfere with an individual's ability to vote for federal candidates, to coerce an individual to cast a ballot in a specific way, or to bribe an individual in exchange for voting a certain way.  See 18 U.S.C. § 594 and § 597.

3) Don't allow employees to conduct political activities in the workplace.  While an employee is entitled to their own political views, you don't want your employee discussing or raising those views in the workplace.  Heated political discussions may erupt, which may cause distraction and animosity in the workplace.  Private employers should consider limiting these types of discussions in the workplace, and find an avenue for uncomfortable employees to voice their concerns.

This blog was posted by Ambuter Law, an employment law firm focused on representing employees.