Law gives Wisconsin workers 3 hours off to vote
MILWAUKEE (AP) Don't worry about lines at the polls next week.
Wisconsin law entitles workers to up to three hours off to cast their ballots. All workers have to do is make arrangements with their bosses in advance.
Waukesha County Clerk Kathy Nickolaus has been working to promote awareness of the law. She says many people do not know about it and don't take advantage of it.
But with high turnout expected for this year's presidential election, Nickolaus says why not ask for time to vote?
The 1945 law allows workers to be gone for up to three hours in a row. But it also says employers can dictate which three hours of the work day those will be, and they don't have to pay workers for the time off.
Oct 30, 2008 at 2:53 p.m.
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Hannah - No, I live in Superior, WI, up in Douglas County. I think it's getting to late for that anyway. I'll leave a little early for work and hit up the poles on my way to work that day :)
Oct 27, 2008 at 7:22 p.m.
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Oh! Stupid me, I don't live in Janesville, I shouldn't have asked here =] I will look into that in my own area, though. Thanks for pointing out how easy it is!!
Oct 27, 2008 at 4:43 p.m.
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How does one get an absentee ballot?
Oct 27, 2008 at 12:06 p.m.
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Of course, in 1945 it was not possible to vote absentee without an excuse. Today, it's essentially the same in Wisconsin as in any state that allows early voting.
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I would seriously consider it if you might be pressed for time. There are probably going to be places -- not necessarily in Janesville -- that will have multi-hour waits to vote. And you can never predict where there will be an equipment breakdown or some other glitch such as the wrong ballots delivered.
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I voted on Saturday. The line at the municipal building filled the room, but moved briskly enough. The poll workers were very efficient and well organized. But I bet they need a vacation soon!
Oct 27, 2008 at 10:20 a.m.
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Just get an absentee ballot and vote from home. No worries.
Oct 27, 2008 at 10:19 a.m.
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My company went one step farther than the law, and allowed us 4 hours off to go and vote. I never had to use the benefit.
Oct 27, 2008 at 10:10 a.m.
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My alarm clock said it was daylight savings time today. Now I only have two hours to vote...
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