WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 5494

Relates to leave time for certain employees to volunteer as a poll worker

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Karl Brabenec and 3 co-sponsors

Bill A 5494 allows employees to take job-protected leave to serve as poll workers, boosting civic engagement and ensuring sufficient staffing for elections.

REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 5494

Summary of Bill A 5494

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 5494 aims to facilitate civic engagement by allowing certain employees to take leave from work to serve as poll workers during elections. The intent of the bill is to address the ongoing need for poll workers, especially during high-turnout elections, and to encourage more individuals to participate in the electoral process.

Key Provisions

  • Leave Time for Poll Workers: The bill proposes that eligible employees be granted a specified amount of leave time to serve as poll workers without fear of losing their jobs or pay.
  • Eligibility Criteria: The bill outlines which employees qualify for this leave, although specific criteria are not detailed in the provided information.
  • Notification Requirements: Employees may be required to notify their employers in advance of their intention to serve as poll workers, ensuring that businesses can plan accordingly for their absence.

Affected Parties

  • Employees: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are employees who wish to volunteer as poll workers. This includes individuals in various sectors who may not have previously had the opportunity to participate due to work commitments.
  • Employers: Businesses will need to adapt to the new requirements regarding employee leave for poll worker duties, which may involve adjusting staffing and scheduling.
  • Election Authorities: The bill is expected to increase the number of available poll workers, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the electoral process.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced Date: The bill was introduced on February 14, 2025.
  • Current Status: As of now, the bill has been referred to the Governmental Employees committee for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to A 6389 from the prior session, indicating ongoing legislative efforts to improve poll worker recruitment and support.

Conclusion

Bill A 5494 represents a legislative effort to bolster civic participation by ensuring that employees can take time off to serve as poll workers. By providing job protection and leave for this purpose, the bill seeks to address the critical need for poll workers in elections, thereby supporting the democratic process. Further developments will be monitored as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

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

Sign in to ask a question.