Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

Poll results

The stickers reading "I Voted" are a nice gesture, but what really gets Mainers out to the polls on Election Day? Time away from work may be part of the answer.

Many states require employers to give workers time off to vote, often amounting to several hours and with pay. But Maine does not have this type of law. That doesn't mean businesses in the state don't allow employees time for their civic duty. And frequently it's by informal agreement.

Some Maine transit providers have provided free service on Election Day, and did so again Tuesday. Should the rest of the business community follow that example and make voting easier for the state's workforce?

As Mainebiz was releasing this poll, it was too early to estimate voter turnout in this off-year election. But the 2020 presidential race is already contentious, and will culminate just after Portland hosts the National Governors Association summer meeting — always a politically charged gathering. With so much anticipation, lines for next year's ballot boxes are bound to be long.

Should Maine require employers to provide time off for their workers to vote?
Yes, voting is critical and should come before a little lost productivity. (24%, 20 VOTES)
Yes, a requirement would signal that Maine is forward-thinking about its workforce. (17%, 14 VOTES)
No, in today's challenging economy, Maine businesses can't afford this requirement. (10%, 8 VOTES)
No, a requirement isn't necessary, Maine businesses already accommodate employees who want to vote. (49%, 40 VOTES)
Poll Description

The stickers reading "I Voted" are a nice gesture, but what really gets Mainers out to the polls on Election Day? Time away from work may be part of the answer.

Many states require employers to give workers time off to vote, often amounting to several hours and with pay. But Maine does not have this type of law. That doesn't mean businesses in the state don't allow employees time for their civic duty. And frequently it's by informal agreement.

Some Maine transit providers have provided free service on Election Day, and did so again Tuesday. Should the rest of the business community follow that example and make voting easier for the state's workforce?

As Mainebiz was releasing this poll, it was too early to estimate voter turnout in this off-year election. But the 2020 presidential race is already contentious, and will culminate just after Portland hosts the National Governors Association summer meeting — always a politically charged gathering. With so much anticipation, lines for next year's ballot boxes are bound to be long.

  • 82 Votes
  • 1 Comments
View recent polls

Sign up for Enews

1 Comments

  • Janet Wilson
    November 6, 2019

    Polls are generally open from 8 AM to 8 PM, with most workers working an 8 hour day. Even with a one hour commute, workers should have time either before or after work. Employers should be willing to make an exception for employees whose work schedules would truly prevent them from voting, but I think that number is probably very small.