OPM Guidance on Administrative Leave to Vote

Federal employees may receive up to four hours of administrative leave to vote in federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial elections. Federal employees may also use up to four hours of administrative leave per year to serve as non-partisan poll workers or observers.

In March 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order 14019 on Promoting Access to Voting, which directed OPM to explore strategies to expand the Federal Government’s policy of granting employees time off to vote, including through efforts to expand early voting. It also directed OPM to explore ways to support employees who wish to serve as non-partisan poll workers or observers.

Historically, OPM guidance has provided administrative leave to federal employees on election day only. It also allowed employees to access paid time off in limited circumstances based on employee’s work schedule and the polling hours in their community. New guidance recognizes that voting has evolved beyond a single election day and reduces barriers to voting by directing agencies to provide time off for employees to vote at any time the polls are open, either on election day or during an early voting period.

Additionally, agencies are authorized to grant up to four hours of administrative leave, which may be combined with other leave or time off, for employees to work as a non-partisan poll worker or election observer.

If you have additional questions, contact a union steward.