Tomorrow is Tennessee’s State Primary Election Day.
As we look forward to tomorrow’s election, below we have included some helpful information and reminders for you to consider as you exercise your right to vote.
Your Right to Vote
Every employee’s right to vote is protected by state statute: TCA 2-1-106.
Here is what the statute says:
2-1-106. Absenteeism for voting
(a) Any person entitled to vote in an election held in this state may be absent from any service or employment on the day of the election for a reasonable period of time, not to exceed three (3) hours, necessary to vote during the time the polls are open in the county where the person is a resident.
(b) A voter who is absent from work to vote in compliance with this section may not be subjected to any penalty or reduction in pay for such absence.
(c) If the tour of duty of an employee begins three (3) or more hours after the opening of the polls or ends three (3) or more hours before the closing of the polls of the county where the employee is a resident, the employee may not take time off under this section.
(d) The employer may specify the hours during which the employee may be absent. Application for such absence shall be made to the employer before twelve o’clock (12:00) noon of the day before the election.
Questions about the process?
For questions regarding polling locations and hours, voters should contact their local election commission offices. A list of election commission offices can be found at: http://tnsos.org/elections/election_commissions.php
If you have any questions or concerns about voting or the electoral process, call the state Division of Elections’ toll-free hotline number @ 1-877-850-4959.
Important Reminder about voting
Voters need to bring valid state- or federally-issued photo identification to the polls with them. Those who forget to bring valid photo IDs can cast provisional ballots, then return to their local election commission offices before the close of business Monday in order to have their votes counted.
