by KYW's Dr. Marciene Mattleman

A high percentage of people in other countries vote. One reason the US lags behind is because many who want to vote, just can’t get to the polls.
 
In Pennsylvania a campaign, Time -Off for Democracy, is being launched to get employers voluntarily to consider adopting policies to allow flexible work schedules on Election Day.

Time off on Election Day would permit an employee who is eligible to vote, to take off up to two hours not losing any pay, perhaps at the beginning or the end of the day.

If a worker is a poll watcher, and wants to take the entire day off without pay, she or he must give 7 days notice.
Such arrangements would be posted and/or written into personnel manuals so that the policies are clear.

Despite the news that there have been large numbers of people registering to vote in the upcoming presidential election, thousands of citizens don’t participate because work or family obligations keep them from the polls. Time-Off for Democracy makes sense!

For more information call, 215-928-9801, extension 207.