Faculty, staff can use paid time off to vote, work polls November 3

Grand Valley faculty and staff members can use paid time off to vote and/or work the polls in the 2020 presidential election under new guidance from Human Resources.

The guidance allows faculty and staff members, who have approval from supervisors, two hours of paid time off to vote in the 2020 presidential election.

Maureen Walsh, associate vice president for Human Resources, said this guidance underscores the university's commitment to civic engagement. 

"We know the polls are open before and after typical working hours. By providing this guidance, we are ensuring faculty and staff members have enough time to get to their polling place to vote," Walsh said.

Faculty and staff members can choose to work at polling stations, with approval from supervisors, and receive a paid day off. An employee who earns income from working as an election official will receive the difference between that income and regular pay. This is meant to supplement the difference between base pay and the amount paid for working at a polling station (similar to jury duty stipends). 

Furniture manufacturer Herman Miller is among the area companies to announce holidays or days of service on November 3, giving employees more time to vote.