Secretary of State
Kentuckians Can Request Time Off to Vote

(Frankfort, KY) – No Kentuckian should be prevented from voting in the upcoming election due to their work schedule, if he or she requests leave prior to the day in which he or she will cast his or her vote according to Secretary of State Trey Grayson.  The Kentucky Constitution provides “that all employers shall allow employees, under reasonable regulations, at least four hours on election days, in which to cast their votes.”

 “It is my hope that every Kentuckian who is registered will exercise their right to vote on May 16th,” stated Secretary Grayson.  “This section in the Kentucky Constitution helps to ensure that every citizen will have the opportunity to cast a ballot on Election Day regardless of their work schedule so long as the employee requests leave in advance.”

 Employees need to request leave from their employer prior to the day in which they will cast their ballots to be eligible for this incentive.  Kentucky law provides the employer discretion as to whether the employee will be compensated for that time and at what time the employee may vote.  If an employee requests leave to vote and does not do so, state law deems that he or she may be subject to disciplinary action.

 Kentuckians who will be working outside their county of residence on Election Day are eligible to vote by absentee ballot.  Absentee voting on a voting machine is being conducted in the county clerk office until close of business on Monday, May 15, 2004.

 Citizens with general questions about the election are encouraged to visit the Kentucky State Board of Elections’ website at www.elect.ky.gov or to contact their local county clerk.

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