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Paid Time Off to Vote
8 Weeks from Election Day
Did you know, over 12.3 million people in the United States are employed by nonprofits? As nonprofits, we focus much of our efforts on ensuring our communities are #VoteReady, but what about our staff? Nonprofit Staff Vote is a joint initiative that aims to encourage nonprofit employers to offer employees paid time off to vote on or before Election Day, and/or serve as poll workers. While most states require employers to offer some time off to vote, less than half require paid time off to vote, and a few do not require employers to give time off to vote at all.
By coordinating a sector-wide campaign, Nonprofit Staff Vote is ensuring nonprofits are leaders that set an example for all industries. Additionally, we believe civically-engaged nonprofits whose staff and communities vote are better positioned to advance their missions and strengthen the communities they serve. The following templates help you share your time off to vote policy and encourage staff to engage in the election.
Stay up-to-date with each week’s activation using our Election Countdown Communications Calendar add-on here!
Tips
Learn more about the Nonprofit Staff Vote campaign and how you can be involved.
Localize the importance and impact of voting with statistics and turnout data. Use the Census Bureau’s Congressional District Voting Rates and Populations Characteristics visualizer to learn more about voters and how your district compares with others in the state.
Host a movie night or put out a movie recommendation list with films that highlight the importance of voting. Our favorites include John Lewis: Good Trouble, All the President’s Men, Selma, and Willie Velasquez: Your Vote Is Your Voice.
MAP: State Requirements for Time Off to Vote
Templates
Email or Letter
Dear [Name of Receiver]
We are proud to announce that our organization offers [insert paid or unpaid] time off to vote on or before Election Day!
Read our full-time off-to-vote policy here: [insert policy language].
Don’t forget to prepare before you vote! Here are some ways you can make sure you are ready to cast a ballot for the election on November 8.
Know what identification you need to vote
Bring a friend to the polls!
Sincerely,
[Organization Signature]
Text
Hi, I’m [name] with [insert organization] Are you ready to vote? Get ready by looking up your polling location, know what’s on your ballot, and know what ID you need to vote at nonprofitvoter.org.
Video Chat
While you’re waiting for the conversation to start, make sure you’re ready to vote on or before the November 8 election! Check out nonprofitvoter.org for more information.
Sample Social Media
(right-click on each image to save it to your device)
Option 1:
Offering PTO to vote for employees gives them the opportunity to vote without choosing between voting and their paycheck. That’s why we’re proud to offer it to all our staff.
Ask your employer if they offer paid time off to vote and make sure you’re ready to vote by November 8. #NonprofitStaffVote #VoteReady
Option 2:
Don’t forget to prepare before you vote! Here are some ways you can make sure you are ready to cast a ballot for the election on November 8.
Look up your registration status or polling location: https://www.nonprofitvoter.org
Know what’s on your ballot: https://www.vote411.org/
Know what identification you need to vote: https://www.voteriders.org/staterules/ Bring a friend to the polls!
Option 1:
Who gets a seat at the table? [Your state] voters will decide who sits in the House of Representatives on Nov 8. Check out this and other races on your ballot by going to vote411.org to get #VoteReady
Option 2:
Don’t forget to prepare before you vote!
Look up your registration status or polling location: https://www.nonprofitvoter.org
Know what’s on your ballot: https://www.vote411.org/
Know what identification you need to vote: https://www.voteriders.org/staterules/
Bring a friend to the polls!
