State Law Requires That Workers Have Ample Time to Cast Ballots

Whatley Discusses Employee Voting Rights in Oklahoman Article

Employment law attorney and McAfee & Taft shareholder Nathan Whatley was interviewed for an Oklahoman feature about employers' responsibility to provide its employees the opportunity to vote.

"Oklahoma law requires employers to provide employees up to two hours time off to vote during regular polling hours if they do not have sufficient time to vote before after work on Election Day," Whatley told the Oklahoman.

"To qualify, the employee must be a registered voter and notify the employer the day before the election — either in writing or orally — if he/she needs time off to vote. It is then up to the employer to specify what time the employee may take off to vote. The time off is paid with proof voting; most employers are happy to accep the 'I voted' stickers as proof," Whatley said.