New York's Little-Known Voting Leave Statute
By Nicholas Luckenbaugh


It was early in the morning and the streets were still damp from the night’s rain. Even so, masses of New Yorkers could not be deterred. Some plodded to work. Some rushed to beat the line at Whole Foods. Others voted.

“I’m an early roller. I like to get my vote in early,” said one retired woman.

“I seriously hate getting up this early,” said David Thompson, 25, a sales associate in Chelsea. “I almost didn’t vote; I was so tired this morning.”

But Thompson, like many voters interviewed, didn't know he could have slept in and, instead, left work to cast his ballot.

According to the New York State Board of Elections, an employee may receive up to two paid hours during a workday to vote. Eligible employees must have less than four consecutive non-working hours between their work shifts and the opening or closing of the polls.

“I’m not sure if I would have left work or not, but it would have been good to have known,” said Kiran Dinsa, 32.

Dinsa, a receptionist, works from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., making her eligible for voting leave.

“I think it’s an excellent law, but I’ve just never felt the need to use it personally,” said jury analyst Samantha Cochran, 22. Cochran was informed of the voting leave law by her former employer.

The voting leave statute states that New York employers must post a notice regarding voting leave eligibility at least 10 working days before every election.

“That’s definitely not posted anywhere. I’d have seen it,” said Thompson.

Susan Cho, 40, works in the Theatre District. She had seen a sign about voting leave posted in her office.

“I’ve taken advantage of [the statute] in the past, just not this year,” she said. Cho said she used her vote as an excuse, convincing herself to get up early for a brisk morning stroll despite the gloomy weather.

Although the statute existed for many years, many people are not aware of it. Some people feel that their jobs receive first priority.

“I can’t [vote]. I have to work,” said one man in a maroon hat, hurrying past the polling station.

“I wish I had known before I got up this morning,” said Thompson.

“The opportunity definitely needs to be advertised more,” said Cochran. “I think it would convince more people to get out and vote.”