On June 23, 2021, Governor Lamont signed Senate Bill 1202, a special session bill implementing the state budget for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. Included in the 837-page bill is a requirement for employers to provide employees with two hours unpaid time off to vote on the day of a regular state election. In the case of a special election for U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, state senator, or state representative, the new requirement to provide time off applies only to employees who are “electors” (meaning already registered to vote). Thus, non-registered voters are not entitled to time off to vote in a special election.
The unpaid time off entitlement applies only for time off taken during the employee’s regularly scheduled work hours on election day and only when taken when the polls are open. Employees must request the unpaid time off at least two working days in advance. The law is now in effect and remains in effect until June 30, 2024.