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Bill

HB 619

An Act amending the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), known as the Pennsylvania Election Code, providing for employee voter leave.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Brennan and 18 co-sponsors

HB 619 grants Pennsylvania employees paid/unpaid time off to vote without employer retaliation, removing work-schedule barriers to electoral participation.

Referred to Labor & Industry
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 619

Legislative bill overview

HB 619 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to establish employee voter leave requirements, allowing workers time off to vote in elections. The bill specifies conditions under which employers must grant paid or unpaid leave for voting purposes without fear of retaliation or penalty.

Why is this important

Voter participation is a cornerstone of democratic governance, and employee work schedules can create barriers to voting, particularly for shift workers and hourly employees. This legislation directly addresses practical obstacles that may prevent eligible citizens from exercising their voting rights while balancing employer operational concerns.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "reasonable time": The bill's specific definition of how much time employees can take off and whether it applies to all election types (primary, general, municipal) remains to be clarified
  • Small business impact: Employers, particularly small businesses with limited staffing, may argue compliance creates operational hardship, especially during competitive industries with thin margins
  • Verification requirements: Questions about how employers verify voting actually occurred versus simply time off for an unstated purpose, and whether documentation can be required without privacy concerns
  • Existing Pennsylvania law: Clarification needed on how this amendment modifies or replaces current election code provisions, and whether it establishes new enforcement mechanisms or penalties

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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