This bill would guarantee most workers at least 2 straight hours of paid time off to vote in federal elections. You could use the time to vote, drop off a mail ballot in person, or handle other voting tasks while polls or voting sites are open. Your boss could choose what time you take off and could require you to use early voting hours instead of Election Day, if state law allows. Lunch or other breaks don’t count toward the 2 paid hours, but they can be taken right before or after that time. You wouldn’t lose any benefits for taking this leave .

It would be illegal for an employer to block your voting leave or punish you for using it. The Labor Department could investigate, and companies could face fines up to $10,000 per violation. The rule applies to businesses with 25 or more employees. States and cities can still offer stronger protections. The change would start with the first federal election after the bill becomes law .

• Who is affected: Employees at workplaces with 25+ employees; employers covered by the law
• What changes: At least 2 consecutive hours of paid time off to vote or handle voting tasks; employer sets the timing (including early voting); no loss of benefits; no interference or retaliation allowed; fines up to $10,000 per violation; federal investigation power
• When: Begins with the first federal election after enactment; stronger state or local rules still apply